AFTER months of hard work, high summer sees Derbyshire gardens at their finest. And this month there are some magnificent open garden events to charm visitors, writes Fiona Stubbs.
July sees the 27th annual Secret Gardens of Winster event, with a bumper crop of gardens open to the public. Held just two weeks after the festivities of Wakes Week, the festival atmosphere is still very much in the air for the Secret Gardens event, over the weekend of 19th and 20th July (1.30pm to 5.30pm each day).
The village’s elevated position offering breathtaking views of the surrounding White Peak landscape while also providing a challenge to some of its hillside gardeners.
There’s something for everyone. Some of the gardens offer refreshments, with some licensed. There’s a chance to chill out to live jazz while youngsters can win prizes by exploring a free gnome trail.
There are dog-friendly gardens, accessible gardens and gardens with craft stalls. The village church will become home to an art exhibition.
Visitors can also see the Millennium Tapestry, which will be on show in the village hall (Burton Institute). The large 3D tapestry was completed to celebrate the millennium and the refurbishment of the building. It was designed and made by village residents to represent a snapshot in time.
Proceeds from Secret Gardens are shared between village community groups and projects including the Burton Institute, the village shop, Winster School, Playing Fields Association and Darby and Joan. For more details, visit www.winster.org/pages/secret-gardens-of-winster.htm
Meanwhile, there are lots of gardens open for the National Garden Scheme during July. You can search for gardens by location via the website www.ngs.org.uk
They include Barlborough Gardens, which once again coincide with the Big Barlborough Festival on 12th and 13th July with activities taking place in the village as well as six gardens to visit. Combined admission to the gardens is £7 and children visit free. Dogs are welcome.
For a relaxing garden visit, 26 Windmill Rise in Belper is open on Sunday, 20th July from 11.30am until 4.30pm. It’s a plant paradise with lots of seating in the garden. Admission is £4, children admitted free.
The following week, Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July, there are two delightful gardens open in Stanton in Peak, with a choice of home-made teas at 2 Haddon View or the pop-up pub at Woodend Cottage from 12.30-4.30pm. Combined admission is £5, children admitted free. Dogs are welcome.
And one of the previous winners of Chesterfield in Bloom is open under the NGS scheme this month. It’s Byways Open Garden, 7a Brookfield Avenue, S40 3 NX, and it’s open from 11.30am-4.30pm on Saturday 26th and Sunday 27th July. Admission £4, children visit free. It has well-established perennial borders, rockery and many planters containing acers, hostas, ferns and pelargoniums. Large shady pergola, ideal for sampling tea and homemade cakes. The owners ask for a donation to Ashgate Hospice. Please park carefully in Brookfield School car park or on neighbouring roads.
Next month sees the opening at one of Chesterfield’s most popular gardens. Over the last 11 years, Christine and Julia Stubbs have welcomed visitors to their garden at 330, Old Road, Brampton – raising more than £20,000 in support of nursing charities. A peaceful haven, the garden will be open on Friday 15th and Saturday 16th August (10.30am to 5pm).
It features shaded areas, a lavender walk, Japanese garden, decorative pond, topiary and seasonal flowers. There’s an extra treat, too, with a second ‘secret garden’…
Sales of plants – many nurtured by Julia from seedlings – are a popular element. There are seating areas throughout the large garden, offering visitors the chance to enjoy refreshments. Admission is just £4. .