As gardens reach their summer peak, Tracy Reid and Fiona Stubbs take a glimpse into some of Derbyshire’s open garden events
During July, summer gardens are at their peak and hopefully we’ll be enjoying some sunny days.
The Big Barlborough Festival will take place over the weekend of 11th and 12th July with lots of events throughout the village as well as five gardens opening for the National Garden Scheme.
For a combined admission of £7 you can visit all the gardens and, perhaps, enjoy some tea and cake along the way.
A spectacular garden in Cressbrook – not far from the Monsal Trail – is open on Sunday 19th July. The south-facing terraced garden at 49 Middle Row shows what can be achieved on a challenging site and is well worth a visit. Refreshments are available at the Cressbrook club next door.
The following weekend, 25th and 26th July, a delightful pair of gardens open in Stanton in Peak. The hillside cottage garden at 2 Haddon View offers traditional tea, coffee and cake while Woodend Cottage includes a veg plot and unique grotto. You can also find a pop-up pub here, serving draught ale from a local brewery.
There are gardens open every weekend during July so do head to the website ngs.org.uk for all gardens opening throughout the county and beyond.
Colour and character
The award-winning garden at Byways, 7a Brookfield Avenue, Chesterfield will open over the weekend of 1st and 2nd August (11.30an to 4.30pm).
Celebrated for its colour and large perennial borders, the garden will be open for its 15th year, with seating areas throughout for visitors to enjoy tea and homemade cakes. A large pergola, housing acers, hostas and ferns, offers a special oasis of calm.
Admission is £4; children free.
Secret Gardens of Winster
A historic Derbyshire village promises fun for all the family over the weekend of 18th and 19th July (1.30pm to 5.30pm) with the annual Secret Gardens of Winster event.
Winster was at the heart of the late 17th and 18th century lead mining boom, resulting in impressive buildings and unique dwellings – with fascinating and individual gardens.
The Secret Gardens of Winster event has become a highlight in the village calendar for both locals and visitors and this year will see around 20 gardens opening.
There will be refreshments and cream teas and some venues are licensed. There is a garden with live jazz and dog-friendly gardens. Other attractions include craft stalls, accessible gardens, Morris dancing, Wyns Tor Singers and a free gnome trail for youngsters with a prize at the end. The village church will house an art exhibition curated by a local artist.
One of the gardens will host the Wirksworth Mines Research Group for a second year. Orchard Mine will be illuminated for the public to view with a display of underground photos of the mine. Experts will be on hand to inform and to answer any questions.
Village projects benefitting from last year’s Secret Gardens include the Village Christmas Tree, Defibrillator upkeep, Pancake Races and School PTFA with the bulk contributing towards the upkeep of the Burton Institute village hall.
Learn more at www.secretgardensofwinster.org.uk or follow Secret Gardens of Winster on Facebook to keep updated