Tracy Reid, who volunteers for the National Garden Scheme (NGS), looks at some of the Open Garden highlights in Derbyshire this month.
SPRING has finally arrived and with it the garden visiting season. Why not have a look at the NGS’s gardens open this year? They offer a real value-for-money day out and raise funds for some of the country’s best-loved nursing and health charities at the same time.
On Sunday, April 21, a new garden is open through the National Garden Scheme. It’s at The Dronfield Heritage Trust, High Street, Dronfield S18 1PX, and will be open from 10am until 4pm.
The garden is part of the Dronfield Heritage Centre, formerly part of the original manor house of Dronfield. The garden has been transformed into a community space with flower beds, woodland border and herb bed. There will be activities for children on offer, so if you’re looking for a family day out, then this could be just the ticket! Pre-booking is essential for this garden, which can be done online at www.ngs.org.uk Admission: £3 adults, £1 children. Refreshments are available, and all proceeds will go to the Heritage Trust.
Also on Sunday, April 21 the garden at ‘The Paddock’, 12 Manknell Road, Whittington Moor, S41 8LZ opens from 11am-5pm. A real gem of a garden, featuring lots of tulips during springtime, planted around the stream and koi pond.
This garden has been supporting the National Garden Scheme for many years and visitors return each year to take in a lovely garden and enjoy some lovely home-made cakes. The Paddock has a second open day on Sunday, July 28, and opens by arrangement for groups of visitors.
Brierley Farm near Ashover will be open for the National Garden Scheme on Wednesday, April 24 and Wednesday, June 12 (12noon-4pm each day). The five-acre site includes a two-acre garden plus woodland with paths to explore. There are three linked ponds and borders featuring rhododendron, azaleas and more. This beautiful garden was featured as ‘Garden of the Week’ in Garden News magazine in 2023.
For all the details of these gardens to visit and more, go to www.ngs.org.uk
The garden at Nether Moor House, Bradwell, S33 9HU opens by arrangement in support of the National Garden Scheme for visits between now and July 7 for groups of between 6 and 20.
It’s a country garden with views of Hope Valley. There are terraces with colourful planting and box hedges, mixed borders with some unusual plants. There is also a Japanese patio garden, which has a small pond and a mix of Japanese and traditional plants.
Light refreshments are available; and admission is £6 for adults, with children admitted free. To arrange a visit, contact Anna or Rod Smallwood at annamsmallwood@gmail.com or call 07973 738846.
Support for Parkinson’s UK
At the recent spring meeting of the National Garden Scheme in Derbyshire, Katie Smith, Area Development Manager for Parkinson’s UK, gave a presentation to the garden owners and volunteers about the UK’s leading charity supporting those with the condition. Its mission is to find a cure and improve life for everyone affected by Parkinson’s through cutting-edge research, support and campaigning.
Since partnering with Parkinson’s UK, the National Garden Scheme has donated over £2 million – helping to fund an additional 20 specialist Parkinson’s Nurses, who support over 7,000 people.
For advice, information and support, visit www.parkinsons.org.uk or call the free, confidential helpline on 0808 800 0303
NGS volunteer Tracy Reid said: “It was so interesting to hear from Katie about how the money we raise supports people living with Parkinson’s. It gave us all a timely reminder that all the hard work getting the gardens ready for opening is so worthwhile.
She added: “Of course, none of this would be possible without the generosity of our garden visitors as each visit made helps us raise money for our beneficiaries.”