I may be biased but there are few better ways to spend a summer afternoon than wandering around a delightful garden, enjoying tea and cake, while supporting some very important charities.
In 2022, the National Garden Scheme donated £3.11 million to nursing and health charities, and Cheshire and Wirral played a big part in that achievement – the NGS's highest ever contribution. This year there are more than 70 gardens to enjoy in the county, from the ones that open for snowdrops in February, right through to the ones displaying glorious autumn colours in October. June is one of the busiest months, and to find a garden, take a look at the website, ngs.org.uk/find-a-garden, or pick up a copy of the yellow book, which can be found in libraries, garden centres and nurseries.
As well as gardens welcoming visitors on a specific day, the NGS is keen to promote gardens that are open by arrangement, which make an ideal outing for gardening groups, enthusiastic garden photographers, or parties of like-minded friends wanting to enjoy the great outdoors in a beautiful setting. I’ve been lucky enough to experience some wonderful gardens on a private tour and I can highly recommend it for a bespoke visit tailored to your specific requirements. Minimum numbers needed for a group visit vary, but there will always be one that is perfect for you and your group. To book a visit, you simply get in touch with the garden owner whose details are on the website or in the yellow book, and to make things even easier, it is hoped that an online booking page will go live this year.
To understand, what’s involved in a group visit from the point of view of a garden owner, I chatted to Howard Platt who, along with his wife Wendy, has been opening his garden at Laskey Farm near Lymm for the past 13 years. As well as four open weekends this year, Howard and Wendy host occasional touring coach parties, sometimes from as far afield as London, Scotland or even Sweden. Their garden is also a favourite with groups of artists who enjoy the beautiful setting and hospitality.
Howard says: 'Visitors often comment on how they enjoy the intimate experience of a smaller garden, compared to venues such as Arley Hall or RHS Bridgewater.
For touring parties, it makes for the perfect combination of visits to Cheshire Gardens, and we are able to provide indoor catering for up to 50 guests.' In June, Laskey Farm is a wonderfully colourful spectacle with roses, herbaceous borders and interconnected wildlife pools with koi and terrapins. It is ideal for a family visit and children will love the treehouse, mini menagerie and maze created with prairie-style planting
Of course, not everywhere will have the capacity of Laskey Farm and gardens can be of any size as long as they have character and interest. For any Cheshire Life readers with beautiful, interesting or quirky gardens of their own, and who would be interested in opening their gardens to make a difference to some wonderful nursing and health charities, please contact Janet Bashforth, the county organiser for Cheshire and Wirral on 07809 030525 or email jan.bashforth@ngs.org.uk
More gardens open by arrangement this year
Adswood, Townfield Lane, Mollington
The garden has more than 150 varieties of clematis and has been featured on Gardeners’ World. It is open by arrangement for groups of 8 to 25, up to July 30.
Mayfield House, Bunbury Heath
Owned by James and Jeannie France-Hayhurst, Mayfield House is a garden with a wealth of colours and features, from a large pond to borders packed with flowering shrubs, perennials and different areas divided by mixed hedging. Most of the garden is wheelchair friendly and dogs are welcome on a short lead.
Norley Bank Farm, near Frodsham
A colourful and well-stocked garden set in around 2 acres of land with the added attraction of free-range hens, donkeys and coloured Ryeland sheep. Three open days on Sunday, July 23; Sunday, July 30 and Monday, August 7, and also by arrangement.
The Homestead, High Legh
A compact gem of a garden, created over the past seven years by Janet Bashforth, the county organiser. Open days on Sunday, June 11; Sunday July 9 and by arrangement.
The Wonky Garden, Ditton Community Centre, Widnes
Designed and managed by a group of volunteers, this is a fascinating garden with edibles and cut flowers as well as herbaceous borders. It is recognised by the RHS as outstanding and a Garden of Distinction and has won many awards including the BBC Radio Merseyside Make a Difference accolade.
