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Home , Bavington, Etherley, Fatfield, Greta Bridge, Mindrum, Washington Old Hall

North East Gardens 2012 , , Teesside &

The National Gardens Scheme www.ngs.org.uk

North East County Volunteers

County Organisers County Durham Shanah Smailes, The Stables, Chapman's Court, Catterick Village, North DL10 7UE, 01748 812887, [email protected] Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Maureen Kesteven, No. 2 Ferndene, Holburn Lane Court, Ryton NE40 3PN, 0191 4135937, [email protected] County Treasurers County Durham Gill Naisby, 44 Whitebridge Drive, DL1 3TY, 01325 381324, [email protected] Northumberland and Tyne and Wear David Oakley, [email protected] Publicity County Durham Kay Duggan, Braeside, Barningham, Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7DW, 01833 621455, [email protected] Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Susie White, 07941 077595, [email protected] Assistant County Organisers County Durham Elizabeth Carrick, Green House, Stone Man Lane, Gayles, nr Richmond, North Yorkshire DL11 7JB, 01833 621199 Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Patricia Fleming, Wooperton Hall, Alnwick NE66 4XS 01668 217009 Northumberland and Tyne and Wear Natasha McEwen, Fowberry Mains Farmhouse, Wooler NE71 6EN, 01668 282092 County Durham Jean Morley, The Willows, Lumley Lane,Kirkby Fleetham, North Yorkshire DL7 0SH, 01609 748066, [email protected]

Cover photograph: 4 Stockley Grove , County Durham Photographer: Shanah Smailes

Symbols at the end of each garden entry indicate features and items of special interest at the garden. hNEW Gardens opening for the first time this year or re-opening after a long break ◆ Garden also opens on non-NGS days. (Gardens which carry this symbol contribute to the NGS either by opening on a specific day(s) and/or by giving a guaranteed contribution) e Wheelchair access to at least the main features of the garden f Dogs on short leads welcome g Plants usually for sale d Garden that holds a Plant Heritage Collection a Gardens that offer accommodation. For details see the Yellow Book or the website € Refreshments are available, normally at a charge ¬ Gardens that welcome visitors by appointment. See the garden entry for details and contact information Children must be accompanied by an adult Photography is at the discretion of the garden owner; please check first Photographs must not be used for sale or reproduction without prior permission of the owner Share To indicates that a proportion of the money collected will be given to the nominated charity Toilets are not usually available at private gardens

For garden opening news follow @cottagegardener on Twitter Opening Dates

March Saturday 23 G Newonstead 2 Fallodon Hall Cottage Garden Sunday 11 Sunday 24 Sunday 26 E Moorbank Botanic + Browside P Thornley House Garden ; Hidden Gardens Saturday 31 of Croft Road > A Hillside Garden September July Sunday 2 April 6 Gibside Sunday 1 Saturday 8 Sunday 1 , Cheswick House S Washington Old > A Hillside Garden 7 Glebe Farm Hall Sunday 15 < High Hill Top H The Old Vicarage, Q Thorpe Gardens T Whalton Manor Gardens Saturday 21 Gardens open to the & Bide-a-Wee Wednesday 4 Cottage E Moorbank Botanic public & Bide-a-Wee Sunday 29 Garden (Evening) Cottage F Newbiggin House Sunday 8 * Broaches Farm - Cragside R Wallington / Crook Hall & May Gardens Monday 9 1 Dilston Physic Wednesday 2 A Lindisfarne Castle Garden & E Moorbank Botanic Garden Northumberland Garden (Evening) Saturday 14 Medicinal Plants Sunday 20 - Cragside 6 Gibside ( Blagdon 8 Green House 9 Herterton House J 25 Park Road Garden A Lindisfarne Castle South Sunday 15 Garden Sunday 27 1 Dilston Physic K Raby Castle $ Barningham Park Garden & R Wallington R Wallington Northumberland S Washington Old W Wooperton Hall Medicinal Plants Hall 4 The Fold U June B Loughbrow House Hermitage N St Margaret’s Community Sunday 3 Allotments Garden % The Beacon Thursday 19 @ Lilburn Tower 9 Herterton House I Oliver Ford By appoint- Garden Sunday 29 ment only O 4 Stockley Grove Saturday 9 U 3 111 Park ? Whickham Hurworth Gardens Hermitage = 2 Hillside Cottage Sunday 10 Community C 10 Low Row ) Briarcroft Garden M Also open Gardens Saturday 16 August by Appoint- 0 Daleholme Garden Saturday 4 ment ¬ Sunday 17 # Acton House $ & Barningham Park . Croft Hall Bide-a-Wee * Broaches Farm : Cottage 4 The Fold Community Walled Sunday 5 7 Glebe Farm Garden L Rockliffe Court < High Hill Top D Mindrum Sunday 12 > A Hillside Garden V Woodside House ! Auckland Castle B Loughbrow House Tuesday 19 Thursday 16 D Mindrum / Crook Hall & 9 Herterton House J 25 Park Road Gardens South Sunday 19 O 4 Stockley Grove Thursday 21 E Moorbank Botanic 9 Herterton House P Thornley House Garden V Woodside House

You are always welcome at an NGS garden Hillside Cottage Photographed by Shanah Smailes

The Gardens

1927 GARDEN

! AUCKLAND CASTLE Market Place, DL14 7NR. Church Commissioners. Centre of Bishop Auckland. Follow signs to castle. Cream teas. Sun 12 Aug (2-4). Gates open to approx 5 acres of castle grounds laid extensive to lawns with quarter mile of gravel paths walkways. The amphitheatre shaped bowling green is one of the delights of the grounds, also herbaceous borders, and prestigious views from raised walkway overlooking Auckland Park, and the R Wear. First open to the public 1927, now in its 85th Anniversary. Plant Stall & Cream Teas. g b

# hNEW ACTON HOUSE Felton, Morpeth NE65 9NU. Mr & Mrs Alan & Eileen Ferguson. N of 1 Morpeth. On old A1 N of Felton. Take turning to Acton, follow rd for /2 m until fork. Take R fork and follow signs. Light refreshments & home-made teas. Adm £3.50, chd free. Sat 4 Aug (1-5). Upon entering the walled garden, you can see the structure, colour and variety of planting. It is full of herbaceous perennials and different grasses. This garden, planted in the spring of 2011, has sections devoted to fruit and vegetables, David Austin rose borders, standard trees and climbers spreading over the brick walls. There are additional mixed borders, ha-ha and developing woodland planting extending over 5 acres. Herbaceous perennial section incls species and varieties favoured by butterflies and bees (info available). Possible Jazz music performance and art exhibition - to be confirmed. e g b

Find a garden near you at www.ngs.org.uk 6 NORTH EAST

$ BARNINGHAM PARK nr DL11 7DW. Mrs Natalie Milbank, 01833 621343, [email protected]. 9m W of Scotch Corner. Turn S off A66 at Greta Bridge or A66 Motel via Newsham. Light refreshments & home-made teas in Barningham Village Hall. Combined adm £4, chd free with Plantsmans Corner. Sun 27 May (12-5). Visitors also welcome by appt. Woodland walks, trees and rock garden on steep slope with ponds and waterfalls. Shrub and perennial borders, kitchen garden. House (not open) built 1650. Bluebell walk. Plantsmans Corner a private nursery with a collection of rarer cornus, holly, maple and conifer species will be open too www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk. Limited wheelchair access. e g b ¬

% THE BEACON 10 Crabtree Road, Stocksfield NE43 7NX. Derek & Patricia Hodgson. 12m W of . From A69, Stocksfield turn off, into village. Pass cricket ground, station on L.Turn R into Cadehill Rd & next R into Crabtree Rd. As Crabtree Rd is a cul de sac please park in Cadehill or main rds. If you like a good walk park in the stn car park. Cream teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 3 June (2-6). This garden has been created over the last 13 years and illustrates how to make a garden, with lots of interest at different levels, on a steep site. Water gently runs through it, and it is planted with acers, apple and lilac trees, roses, rhododendron and herbaceous perennials. There are quiet, tranquil places to sit. Featured in Amateur Gardening. b

& ◆ BIDE-A-WEE COTTAGE Stanton, Morpeth NE65 8PR. Mr M Robson, 01670 772238, www.bideawee.co.uk. 7m NNW of Morpeth. Turn L off A192 out of Morpeth at Fairmoor. Stanton is 6m along this rd. Adm £3, chd free. For NGS: Sats 21 Apr (1.30-4.30); 4 Aug (1.30-5). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. Unique secret garden created over the last 30yrs out of a small sandstone quarry, it features rock and water. Unusual perennials are woven within a matrix of ferns, trees and shrubs. The garden contains the National Collection of centaurea, and many other plants seldom seen. e g d

( BLAGDON NE13 6DE. The Hon Matt Ridley, www.blagdonestate.co.uk. 5m S of Morpeth on A1. A1 N of Newcastle 8m, turn on to B1318 towards Seaton Burn then L at r’about (Holiday Inn) and follow signs to Blagdon. Entrance to parking area signed. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 20 May (1-5). Unique 27 acre garden encompassing formal garden with Lutyens designed ‘canal’, Lutyens structures and walled kitchen garden. Valley with stream and various follies, quarry garden and woodland walks. Large numbers of ornamental trees and shrubs planted over many generations. National Collections of Acer, Alnus and Sorbus. Train ride around the estate (small additional charge). e f g d b

) hNEW BRIARCROFT 27 Barnard Avenue, Grangefield, Stockton-On-Tees TS19 7AB. Mr Glenn 1 Sunman. 1 /2 m W of Stockton centre. From A66 follow signs to Hartburn turn L into Greens Lane & follow yellow signs. Parking in Gainford Rd please. Cream teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 10 June (1-5). Beautiful wildlife friendly garden designed by an award winning design team. The centre piece is a wisteria clad pergola on a formal lawn, living willow arbour and tunnel leading to a small kitchen garden and tranquil reflective pool. Another feature is a small wild flower orchard bound by a dry stone wall. Limited wheelchair accessl. e g b

3,800 gardens open in 2012 NORTH EAST 7

* BROACHES FARM Dalton, Richmond DL11 7HW. Mr & Mrs Hutchinson, 01833 621369, [email protected]. 7m W of Scotch Corner. From Scotch Corner on 1 A66 W, 7m turn L at A66 motel. After /2 m turn L to Dalton. Farm on L after 1m. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 8 July (1-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. In 1996 this wonderful garden was a field, which now includes 2 ponds, one with koi. Stream, bog garden and wooded area. Mixed colourful borders, full of herbaceous perennials. Informal and naturalistic, a rural idyll. Lots of wildlife incl kingfishers, dippers, wagtails, frogs and toads. e f g a b ¬

+ BROWSIDE , Barnard Castle, Co Durham DL12 9RQ. Mr & Mrs R D Kearton. 3m S of Barnard Castle. On A66 3m W of Greta Bridge, turn R to Boldron, 1 then proceed /2 m, entrance opp junction. From Barnard Castle take A67 to , after 2m turn L to Boldron. Home-made teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sun 24 June (1-5.30). 1 1 /4 acres with unusual water features and large collection of conifers and acers, wide range of plants and imaginative stone objects. Wonderfully tranquil seating areas. Northumbrian Pipers will be gently playing. e f g b

, CHESWICK HOUSE Cheswick TD15 2RL. Mr & Mrs P Bennett, www.cheswickhouse.co.uk. 4m S of Berwick upon Tweed. Turn E from A1 signed Goswick/Cheswick. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 1 July (1-5.30). A large Gothic Victorian garden undergoing a restoration programme including new herbaceous borders, and water features. Romantic walled garden and newly created garden rooms each with a distinctive character. Former Curling rink converted into a Mediterranean gravel garden with raised beds and circular pond. Magnificent views of Cheviots and coast and varied woodland walks. Gravel paths. e g a b

- ◆ CRAGSIDE Rothbury NE65 7PX. National Trust, 01669 621267, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. 13m SW of Alnwick. (B6341); 15m NW of Morpeth (A697). Adm £9.45, chd £4.80. For NGS: Sat 14 July (10-5). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. 3 acre formal garden in the ‘High Victorian’ style created by the 1st Lord Armstrong. Restored Italian terrace, orchard house, carpet bedding, dahlia 1 walk and fernery. 4 /2 acre rock garden with its restored cascades. Extensive grounds of over 1000 acres famous for rhododendrons in June, beautiful lakeside walks and woodland. g b

NGS supports nursing and caring charities 8 NORTH EAST

. CROFT HALL Croft-on-Tees DL2 2TB. Mr & Mrs Trevor Chaytor Norris. 3m S of Darlington. On A167 to Northallerton, 6m from Scotch Corner. Croft Hall is 1st house on R as you enter village from Scotch Corner. Home-made teas. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 17 June (2-5). A lovely lavender walk leads to a Queen Anne fronted house (not open) surrounded by a 5-acre garden, comprising a stunning herbaceous border, large fruit and vegetable plot, two ponds and wonderful topiary arched wall. New pretty rose garden and mature box Italianate parterre are beautifully set in this garden offering peaceful, tranquil views of open countryside. Some gravel paths. e g b

/ ◆ CROOK HALL & GARDENS Sidegate, Durham City DH1 5SZ. Maggie Bell, 0191 384 8028, www.crookhallgardens.co.uk. Centre of Durham City. Crook Hall is short walk from Durham’s Market Place. Follow the tourist info signs. Parking available at entrance. Adm £6, chd £5, concessions £5.50. For NGS: Tue 19 June (11-5). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. Described in Country Life as having ‘history, romance and beauty’. Intriguing medieval manor house surrounded by 4 acres of fine gardens. Visitors can enjoy magnificent cathedral views from the 2 walled gardens. Other garden ‘rooms’ incl the silver and white garden, orchard, moat, pool and maze. b

0 hNEW DALEHOLME GARDEN Masterman Place, Middleton-In-Teesdale, Barnard Castle DL12 0ST. Mr & Mrs B Tait-Lovett. 9m W of Barnard Castle. Take B6278 from Barnard Castle and follow signs to Middleton in Teesdale. NGS signage in village. Park in school car park. Cream teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sat 16 June (2-5.30). This garden is set in spectacular Pennine scenery and incl a very productive terraced vegetable patch with a prolific cordon plum and cordon damson. One of two rockeries has been newly planted and many colourful pots enhance the remaining pretty cottage style planting. One of only two protected hornbeams overlooks and gives shade to Daleholme garden. Disabled visitors may be dropped off at the gate. e b

1 hNEW ◆ DILSTON PHYSIC GARDEN & NORTHUMBERLAND MEDICINAL PLANTS nr Corbridge NE45 5QZ. Prof Elaine Perry, www.dilstonphysicgarden.com. 1m W of Corbridge, 2m E of Hexham. On B695 between Corbridge & Hexham,just W of the junction with B6529. Car park on W side of main garden, entrance where Dilston Scout Camp is. 5min walk (footpath). Adm £3, chd free. Sun 15 July (1-4). For other opening times and information, please see garden website. This garden, dedicated to the healing power of plants, has been established as an education and research venue. It is not a garden of finely tended herbaceous borders. Set in 2-acres beside the Devil’s Water, over 800 plants are grown for their medicinal, magical or mind altering powers, each with a sign providing valuable information on the plant and its uses. Whilst being educational, Dilston is also designed for fun. It is child friendly, with places and sculptures that will keep children amused. This is a unique and quirky garden for those with a sense of adventure. Freshly picked and prepared herbal teas to order. For children - animal trail, chamomile lawn to lie on, kids play area with safe herbs for children to discover, kids drawing hut. Featured in Hexham Courant and on BBC Women’s Hour. f g b

NGS gardens are identified by their yellow road signs and posters. They are selected as gardens of quality, character and interest.

Support the NGS – visit a garden near you NORTH EAST 9

The Fold Photographed by Shanah Smailes

1927 GARDEN

2 hNEW FALLODON HALL Alnwick NE66 3HF. Mr & Mrs Mark Bridgeman. 5m N of Alnwick on A1. Turn R on B6347, and turn into Falloden gates after 2m. Home-made teas. Adm £3. Sat 23 June (2-5.30). 12 acre garden, incl a 30 metre border, finishing beside a hot greenhouse and bog garden. The C17 walls of the kitchen garden surround cutting and vegetable borders and fruit greenhouse. The sunken garden from 1898 has recently been replanted by Natasha McEwen. A maturing millennium arboretum beside the pond. Home-made teas in stable yard and plant sale, predominantly of Fallodon plants. Limited wheelchair access. e f g b

Bring a group – visit gardens by appointment ¬ 10 NORTH EAST

3 111 FATFIELD PARK Washington NE38 8BP. Gillian & Peter Lund, 0191 4167923, 1 [email protected]. 1 /2 m SE of Washington Town Centre. Take Washington exit on A1(M) Junction 64. Follow A195 for approx 2m. 3rd exit on 2nd O into Biddick Lane following brown signs for Art Centre in Biddick Lane. 85yds after Art Centre turn R into Fatfield Park. Visitors & groups welcome by appt. Inspirational, developing garden full of yr-round colour and interest. Many plants grown from seed and cuttings to produce a large variety of interesting plants. Wildlife friendly pond and bog garden. Large herbaceous borders with cottage style planting. Gravel garden with grasses and perennials. e g ¬

4 THE FOLD High Wooley, Stanley Crook DL15 9AP. Mr & Mrs G Young, 01388 768412, [email protected]. 3m N of Crook. On A690 S from 1 Durham turn R at Brancepeth X-rds (opp sign to Castle), after 3 /2 m follow yellow signs. From A1 going N on A68 take B6299 before then after approx 2m follow yellow signs. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 15 July (2-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. 1 Large rural cottage-style garden, approx /2 -acre at 700ft. Splendid views of surrounding countryside. Herbaceous borders and island beds. Ponds and numerous mature trees. Small roof garden, wide range of plants many grown from seed. Emphasis on colour, harmony and texture. From 3.30 to 5pm horticultural advise will be available from Paul Beard, an expert who has retired as head of the parks department in Newcastle. A tour by the garden owner will be given at 4pm for beginners. g b ¬

Eggleston Hall Gardens The Jewel of the North

Set in the wonderful vale of Teesdale a nursery garden of rare and unusual trees, shrubs, and perennials. An interesting garden trail to follow, with 17c churchyard, moorland stream, wishing pool, and quality plants for sale.

This booklet brings a 10% reduction on any plants purchased.

Open 7 days a week. 10am – 5pm. Hall Gardens, Eggleston, Barnard Castle Co Durham DL12 0AG Tel: 01833 650230

More than £5 million donated to Marie Curie Cancer Care NORTH EAST 11

6 ◆ GIBSIDE nr , Tyne and Wear NE16 6BG. National Trust, 01207 541820, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. 6m SW of . Entrance on B6314 between Burnopfield & Rowlands Gill. Follow brown signs from A1 exit N of Metro Centre. Bus service from Newcastle upon Tyne. Adm £6.50, chd £4. For NGS: Sun 2 Sept (10-6). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. C18 landscape park designed by Stephen Switzer for one of the richest men in Georgian , George Bowes, and his celebrated grand-daughter Mary Eleanor. Inner pleasure grounds with tree lined avenue and productive walled garden, plus miles of woodland and riverside walks in the Derwent Valley. Continuing redevelopment of walled garden and woodland areas. Guided talks by the landscape gardener. Mobility vehicle available. e f g b

7 GLEBE FARM Moor Lane, Whitburn, SR6 7JP. John & Kathryn Moor, 0191 529 3120, [email protected]. 2m N of Sunderland. From junction of A19 & A184, follow A184 E through W & E Boldon. After passing Dog Track on L turn L at r’about onto A1018 towards . Take 2nd R (after 1m) onto Moor Lane. Farm & parking on R on entering village. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 1 July (2-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. This lovely garden is on the edge of the picturesque village of Whitburn. Its 3 /4 acre has a range of colours, moods and styles - lawned and gravelled areas surrounded by herbaceous borders with David Austin roses, a wide variety of shrubs and herbaceous perennials. Ornamental trees, herb garden and small woodland. Views of the sea, and the North York Moors (on a good day). g b ¬

Plantsmans Corner Barningham, Richmond North Yorkshire DL11 7DW

Open only twice a month!

Plantsmans Corner offers a wide range of rarer Shrubs, Conifers, and perennials. Many flowering Dogwoods, Japanese Maples, Liquidambar, Hosta, and Hollies. A selection of less well known perennials, and many grafted forms of Pinus, Picea, Abies, including genuine dwarf specimens up to 10 years old. A private collection for plant people. Open on the First & Third Sundays of the month only. April-October Tel: 07707 694310 www.plantsmanscorner.co.uk

Join the NGS community – open your garden 12 NORTH EAST

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5 12 9 68 B A683 Gunnerside Swale Catterick Investec Wealth & Investment supports the NGS NORTH EAST 13

10 20 kilometres 10 miles pping / The People’s Map

Herterton House Photograph © Tom White

8 hNEW GREEN HOUSE GARDEN West Street, Gayles, nr Richmond DL11 7JB. Mrs Elizabeth Carrick. 7m W of Scotch Corner. A66 W for 1 7 /2 m from Scotch Corner. Turn L at A66 Motel. Follow signs to Dalton & Gayles. From Richmond take Ravensworth Rd for 5m then L to Kirby Hill follow main rd 1m to Gayles. In Gayles follow yellow ngs signs. Cream teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sat 14 July (2-5). 3 /4 acre garden with stunning view of open countryside. d Rolling lawn with island grass bed, beautiful courtyard garden full of colour and mixed planting. A secret walled garden with lovely display of herbaceous bedding incl many David Austin roses, and pretty Wendy House adds to the interest. f g b

9 ◆ HERTERTON HOUSE Cambo, Hartington NE61 4BN. Mr Frank Lawley, artlepool 01670 774278. 12m W of Morpeth. 23m NW of Newcastle. 2m N of Cambo on the B6342 signed to m Redcar Hartington. Brown signs. Adm £4, chd free. For NGS: ( Saltburn-by South the-Sea Thurs 21 June; 19 July; 16 Aug (1.30-5.30). For other Bank ( opening times and information, please phone. Loftus ddlesbrough ( 1 acre of formal garden in stone walls around C16 ( A174 Guisborough farmhouse (not open). Incl small topiary garden, physic ( A171 garden, flower garden, fancy garden, gazebo and nursery 35 Great Ayton garden. Featured in Dream Gardens, 100 Inspirationl (Danby tokesley 74 Gardens; and Gardens of Northumberland and the Esk Borders. g

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Support the NGS b eat more cake! 14 NORTH EAST

: HEXHAM COMMUNITY WALLED GARDEN Queen Elizabeth High School, Whetstone Bridge Road, Hexham 1 NE46 3JB. /2 m W of Hexham. From Hexham bus stn travel west. When you reach 3 way T-lights - Fox PH on R - turn L up Allendale Rd, after T-lights, take 2nd R turn go up lane. Car park signed. Home-made teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sun 17 June (11-5). Although this walled garden, developed by young people and community 1 groups, is only /4 acre it feels much bigger. It is full of interesting and unusual plants, and has been developed with wildlife (newts, bees, butterflies etc) in mind. Paths wend through cottage style planting, past ponds, vegetables, fruit and herbaceous planting. Victorian greenhouse and willow tunnels. A delightful place. f g b

GROUP GARDEN

; HIDDEN GARDENS OF CROFT ROAD 3 Croft Road DL2 2SD. 2m S of Darlington on A167. /4 m S from A167/A66 r’about between Darlington & Croft. Home-made teas at Oxney Cottage & Orchards Gardens. Combined adm £5, chd free (share to Great North Air Ambulance). Sun 24 June (1-5.30). 5 very different and interesting gardens, well named as ‘Hidden Gardens’. All are behind tall hedges. Oxney Cottage is a very pretty cottage garden with lawns, herbaceous borders and roses, colourful and varied unusual plants. Nags Head Farm has a wonderful rill running alongside a sloping garden with a variety of plants leading to a quiet peaceful courtyard. There is a large vegetable garden in which stand a magnifcent glass-house where in grows 2 prolific vines. A woodland walk enhances the tranquility of this garden. Orchard Gardens is a large interesting garden of mixed planting, stump sculptures, colourful themed beds, fruit trees and different imaginative ornaments. Oxney Flatts is a new garden for this year and is developing well with wellstocked herbaceous borders. New Cottage Garden is 3yrs old and maturing nicely, with a very pretty long herbaceous border and large interesting greenhouse. Oxney Cottage winner ‘Best Rural Garden’ - Hurworth area. Limited wheelchair access. e g b

< HIGH HILL TOP St John’s Chapel DL13 1RJ. Mr & Mrs I Hedley, 01388 537952. 7m W of Stanhope. On A689. Turn L into Harthope Rd after Co-op shop in St John’s 1 Chapel. Up hill for /2 m past the Animal Hotel. Garden next house on L. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 1 July (10-4). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. See what can be achieved in an exposed garden at 1200ft. Mixed planting incl wonderful collection of sorbus, hostas, ferns, eucalyptus and candelabra primulas. Magnificent backdrop of North Pennines. More of this lovely garden was made accessible in 2010. Featured in Amateur Gardening. g b ¬

= 2 HILLSIDE COTTAGE Low Etherley, Bishop Auckland DL14 0EZ. Mrs M Smith, 01388 832727, [email protected]. 3m W of Bishop Auckland. From Bishop Auckland take B6282 to Etherley. Turn R opp no. 63 Low Etherley into 1 Heritage Railway Trail (signed). From A68 take B6282 for /2 m, then turn L as above. Adm £3, chd free. Visitors & groups welcome by appt. Different planting areas provide space for a variety of mature trees and shrubs, perennials, ferns and bulbs. Two ponds and the naturally managed areas attract wildlife. The small meadow has cowslips and fritillaries, followed by native flowers and grasses, apples, pears, soft fruit and vegetables are also grown. Featured in many articles and on Bishop FM radio. b ¬

85 years of gardens and giving NORTH EAST 15

> hNEW A HILLSIDE GARDEN 80 Sunniside Road, Sunniside, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE16 5NF. Dr A Burridge, 0191 488 9356. SW of Newcastle upon Tyne. Take A692 from A1. Turn L at T-lights in Sunniside Village onto Sunniside Rd. No. 80 is just below brow of the hill on R. Buses 44 from Durham or Newcastle Eldon Sq. 70 or 71 from Consett. 30 or 31 from Lancaster. Light refreshments & teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sat 31 Mar (10-noon); Sun 1 Apr (2-5). Visitors also welcome by appt, min 4. L-shaped garden on steep hillside with burn at the bottom. Acid soil, hillside planted with rhododendrons, azalea, magnolia, camellias and multiple bulbs. Upper levels lawned, with perennials, roses, lilies. Plants selected for fragrance. Garden is steep with many steps. Care is required by visitors. g b ¬

GROUP GARDEN

? HURWORTH GARDENS Hurworth-on-Tees DL2 2JA. 2m SE of Darlington. Follow main Rd through Hurworth Place. Off A66- follow signs to Hurworth. Light refreshments & teas at 30 The Green. Combined adm £5, chd free. Sat 9 June (2-5). 5 varied village gardens of different sizes and aspects on the north and south sides of the village green, incl one new garden this year. Two of the gardens have spectacular views over the R Tees. One is a courtyard garden with hot and shady areas. Water features, cottage garden borders and vegetable plots. One of the gardens is a previous winner in the Darlington in Bloom competition. e f g b

@ LILBURN TOWER Alnwick NE66 4PQ. Mr & Mrs D Davidson. 3m S of Wooler. On A697. Home-made teas. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 3 June (2-6). 10 acres of walled and formal gardens incl conservatory and large glasshouse. Approx 30 acres of woodland with walks and pond garden. Rhododendrons and azaleas. Also ruins of Pele Tower, and C12 church. Limited wheelchair access. e f g b

A ◆ LINDISFARNE CASTLE GARDEN Holy Island, Lindisfarne TD15 2SH. National Trust, 01289 389244, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. Located on Lindisfarne (Holy Island). On approaching the castle the garden can be seen 500 metres across the field to the L. Adm £2, chd free. For NGS: Mon 9 July (1-5). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. In 1911 Gertude Jekyll designed this garden as a summer garden for the then owner of the castle, Edward Hudson. Containing large drifts of hardy annuals (incl a fine show of sweet peas) the garden is a riot of colour in the height of summer. The gardener will be available for garden walks and to answer questions throughout the afternoon.

B LOUGHBROW HOUSE Hexham NE46 1RS. Mrs K A Clark, 01434 603351, [email protected]. 1m S of Hexham. Take B6306 from 1 1 Hexham, signed Blanchland, after /4 m take RH-fork. After a further /4 m you 1 come to another fork, lodge gates are at intersection. Garden /2 m up the drive. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 15 July (2-5). Groups also welcome by appt. Woodland garden with rhododendrons, azaleas and hosta bed in the quarry. Bog garden with pond. Old-fashioned roses, 3 herbaceous borders, large area of lawns. Extensive kitchen garden and paved courtyard. Developing wild flower meadow with specimen trees. f g a b ¬

Over 100 of the original 1927 gardens open in 2012 16 NORTH EAST

C 10 LOW ROW North Bitchburn, Crook DL15 8AJ. Mrs Ann Pickering, 01388 766345, [email protected]. 3m NW of Bishop Auckland. From Bishop Auckland take A689 (N) to Howden Le Wear. R up Bank before petrol stn, 1st R in village at 30mph sign. Adm £2. Visitors & groups welcome by appt all year (not Tues). Quirky original garden with 90% grown from seeds and cuttings. Extensive views over the Wear valley. An amazing garden created without commercially bought plants or expense. Totally organic and environmentally friendly. A haven for wildlife. Beautiful through the year from snowdrops to autumn leaves. Featured in Amateur Gardening. ¬

D MINDRUM Mindrum, nr Cornhill on Tweed & Yetholm TD12 4QN. Hon PJ & Mrs V Fairfax, 01890 850264, [email protected], www.mindrumgarden.co.uk. 6m SW of Coldstream, 9m NW of Wooler. Off B6352, 4m N of Yetholm. 5m from Cornhill on Tweed. Home-made & cream teas. Adm £3.50, chd free. Sun 17 June (2-6). Visitors also welcome by appt, Weds, May to Sept (10-4). Superbly varied garden with old-fashioned roses; rock and water garden; shrub borders. Wonderful views along Bowmont Valley. Approx 3 acres, or more if you like to wander by the river. Plants galore. Large plant sale, mostly home grown. Limited wheelchair access. e f g b ¬

E MOORBANK BOTANIC GARDEN University of Newcastle, Claremont Road, Newcastle upon Tyne 3 NE2 4NL. /4 m from Newcastle Haymarket. W end of Claremont Rd, just E of Cat & Dog Shelter. Shared entrance with Town Moor Superintendents Farm (blue gate). 12 mins walk up Claremont Rd from Exhibition Park entrance r’about. No parking in garden on st parking. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 11 Mar (2-5). Evening Openings, with wine, Weds 2 May; 4 July (5-8); Sun 19 Aug (2-5). 3 acre university botanic garden with collections of rare conifers, rhododendrons, sorbus, pond, perennials, herb garden, meadow. Extensive plantings under glass with tropical plants, succulents, insectivorous plants. Many original collections, originally from Kilbryde Gardens, Corbridge. Outside plantings maintained with volunteer help. g b

F NEWBIGGIN HOUSE Blanchland DH8 9UD. Mrs A Scott-Harden, 01434 675005. 12m S of 1 Hexham. From Blanchland village take Stanhope Rd. /2 m along narrow rd follow yellow signs up tarmac drive into car park. Cream teas. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 29 Apr (2-5.30). 5-acre landscaped garden at 1000ft, started in 1996 and maturing beautifully. Old-fashioned herbaceous border, peonies, shrubs, roses, bog and wild garden incl wild rose walk. Magnificent collection of unusual trees and shrubs. Limited wheelchair access. e g b

G hNEW NEWONSTEAD COTTAGE GARDEN Great Bavington, Newcastle Upon Tyne NE19 2BJ. Philippa Hodkinson. NW of Newcastle upon Tyne. From A696 turn onto B6342 past Kirkharle Courtyard, then R to Great Bavington. From A68 turn onto B6342 approx half way to A696, take L turn to Great Bavington. Follow yellow signs. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 19 Aug (2-5.30). 1 Developing cottage garden on /2 -acre site set in wild landscape. Dramatic backdrop of outcrop of Whin Sill. Late season colour from hardy annuals and unusual perennials, plus heritage vegetables. Chickens wander amongst young trees set in the lawn. The garden is run on green gardening principles. Art exhibition in garden studio. Short walk through hay field to views over scenic and stunning countryside. Grass paths may be difficult after heavy rain. e f b

Raising millions for charity since 1927 NORTH EAST 17

Newtonstead Cottage Photograph © Susie White

H THE OLD VICARAGE, HUTTON MAGNA nr Richmond, N Yorkshire DL11 7HJ. Mr & Mrs D M Raw. 8m SE of Barnard Castle. 6m W of Scotch Corner on A66, Penrith direction. Signed Hutton Magna R. Continue to, and through, village. Garden 200yds past village on L, on corner of T-junction. Home-made teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 15 Apr (2-5.30). S-facing garden, elevation 450ft. Plantings, since 1978, now maturing within original design contemporary to 1887 house (not open). Cut and topiary hedging, old orchard; rose and herbaceous borders featuring hellebores in profusion, with tulips and primulas. Large and interesting plant sale. g b

I OLIVER FORD GARDEN Longedge Lane, Rowley, Consett DH8 9HG. Bob & Bev Tridgett, www.gardensanctuaries.co.uk. 5m NW of Lanchester. From Castleside 1 approx 1m S on A68 turn L to Lanchester /2 m on L. From Lanchester B6296 signed approx 2m turn R at Woodlea Manor, garden 2.9m on R. Light refreshments & teas. Adm £3, chd free. Sun 3 June (1-5). 1 Spectacular 1 /2 -acre woodland garden that includes rare Acers, Stewartia, Betula and Prunus. Stream, wildlife pond and bog garden. Japanese maple and dwarf Rhododendron garden. 80 square metre rock garden containing a significant collection of dwarf conifers. Large insect nectar garden. Orchard 1 and 1 /2 acre upland meadow. Annual wild flower area. f b

£22 million donated to charity in the last 10 years 18 NORTH EAST

J 25 PARK ROAD SOUTH Chester le Street DH3 3LS. Mrs A Middleton, 0191 388 3225. 4m N of Durham. A167 N towards Chester le Street. L at r’about (Durham Rd) to town centre. 1st R for parking and rear access to garden only. S from A1 - 3rd r’about then R as above. Home-made teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sun 20 May (1-4). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. Plantswoman’s garden with all-yr round interest, colour, texture and foliage. Unusual perennials, grasses, shrubs and container planting. Cool courtyard garden using foliage only. Small front gravel garden. New planting and gazebo for 2010. Lots of unusual plants for sale! g b ¬

1927 GARDEN

K ◆ RABY CASTLE Staindrop, nr Darlington DL2 3AH. Lord Barnard, 01833 660202, www.rabycastle.com. 12m NW of Darlington, 1m N of Staindrop. On A688 8m NE of Barnard Castle. For opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. C18 walled gardens set within the grounds of Raby Castle. Designers such as Thomas White and James Paine have worked to establish the gardens, which now extend to 5 acres, displaying herbaceous borders, old yew hedges, formal rose gardens and informal heather and conifer gardens. Assistance will be needed for wheelchairs. e b

L hNEW ROCKLIFFE COURT Hurworth Place, Hurworth, Darlington DL2 2DR. Broadacres Housing Association. From Darlington take A167 signed Northallerton, after 2m turn L into Hurworth Place, garden 1st turning on R after Rockcliffe Hall. Home- made teas. Adm £2.50, chd free. Sun 5 Aug (1-5). Award winning community garden, funded by charitable donations and administered by local volunteers. Rockcliffe Court provides domiciliary care for adults with physical and learning difficulties who live independently in their own homes. Each resident has a small plot of their own and a garden buddy to help plant and maintain it. Music in the garden by Nice & Easy. Darlington in Bloom - runner up best community garden. Broadacres Housing Association - 1st Best Area/ Street. e g b

GROUP GARDEN

M ROMALDKIRK GARDENS Teesdale DL12 9DZ. 6m NW of Barnard Castle. On B6277, 2m S of Eggleston. Cream teas in the village hall. Combined adm £3, chd free. Sun 10 June (2-5.30). A group of 9 gardens of great variety clustered around the village greens with an interesting old fashioned village water pump and the attractive church of St Romald in the centre of the village. Some are typical cottage gardens with herbaceous borders, one a walled garden with climbers, lawn and interesting shrubs, another larger garden incls a pond and grotto, one has lawns, rockery, shrubs and a recently created gravel garden. Another garden which is well established has an attractive design of lawns, pond, herbaceous borders, trees and shrubs. Wheelchair access to some gardens. e g b

We would be grateful for a donation towards the cost of producing this booklet at the first garden you visit. Thank you.

The NGS – Macmillan Cancer Support's largest ever benefactor 1927–2012 Eighty Five Years of Gardening and Giving In our 85th anniversary year over 3800 gardens across England and Wales will open on behalf of the National Gardens Scheme. In the last 10 years, with your help we have donated £22 million for nursing, caring and gardening charities. Thank you.

You can help support the National Gardens Scheme

Visit a garden – with so many uniquely different gardens you could be spoilt for choice! A visit typically offers the chance to meet the garden owner and the opportunity to enjoy a cup of tea in lovely surroundings. What you spend in a garden is donated to us by the garden owners. Open your garden – many gardens that open for the Scheme are no larger than typical back gardens. Visitors tell us they are looking for interesting planning and design, or a good range of plants and especially gardens which have been tended with love and care. Why not open your garden for the NGS? Contact our friendly volunteer team to discuss the possibilities Volunteer with us – join our local team of volunteers. A range of roles is available, so you don’t need to be a gardening expert, but you should enjoy being part of a team and meeting new people with the aim of raising money for some truly great charities Make a donation – if you would like to help support this wonderful 85 year old charitable tradition you can by making a donation online at www.ngs.org.uk/about-us/donate-now To find out more or to receive our newsletter please visit www.ngs.org.uk or phone 01483 211535

© The National Gardens Scheme 2012 The National Gardens Scheme, Hatchlands Park, East Clandon, Guildford, Surrey GU4 7RT Registered in England & Wales, Charity No.1112664, Company No. 5631421 20 NORTH EAST

ALLOTMENTS

N ST MARGARET’S ALLOTMENTS Margery Lane, Durham DH1 4QG. From A1 take A690 to city centre/Crook. Straight ahead at T-lights after passing 4 r’abouts. Pedestrians walk up Sutton St from big roundabout at viaduct. Allotments L in Margery Lane. Home-made teas Antioch House, Crossgate (5 mins from allotments). Combined adm £2.50, chd free. Sun 15 July (2-5). 5 acres of 82 allotments against the spectacular backdrop of Durham Cathedral. This site has been cultivated since the middle ages, and was saved from development 20yrs ago, allowing a number of enthusiastic gardeners to develop their plots which display a great variety of fruit, vegetables and flowers. There will be a display about our successful campaign to save our allotments from development. Live music on the community plot. f g b

O 4 STOCKLEY GROVE Brancepeth DH7 8DU. Mr & Mrs Bainbridge, 07944 523551, [email protected]. 5m W of Durham City. Take A690 from Durham to Brancepeth, through village and last turning on L after X-rds signed to ‘To Castle’. Park in the castle car park & than a 300yd walk to garden following signs. Please do not drive into Stockley Grove. Cream teas. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 29 July (2-5). Visitors welcome by appt, no coaches. 1 A stunning /2 -acre garden with inspirational planting to provide year round colour and interest. Landscaped with hidden grassy paths with many unusual trees, shrubs and plants incl wildlife pond, rockery area and water features. Limited wheelchair access. e g b ¬

P THORNLEY HOUSE Thornley Gate, Allendale, Northum NE47 9NH. Ms Eileen Finn, 01434 683255, [email protected], www.thornleyhouse.co.uk. 1m W of Allendale. From Allendale town, down hill from Hare & Hound to 5th rd junction, 1m Thornley House is big house in field in front. Light refreshments & teas. Adm £3, chd free (share to Brooke charity for Working Animals). Sun 26 Aug (2-5). Visitors & groups also welcome by appt. Unusual 1-acre garden consisting of woodland, stream, pond, vegetable and fruit garden, rose avenue and mixed planting. A feline theme is evident throughout this child-friendly garden. Seek and find quiz is available for family fun. Maine Coon cats and ornamental animals enhance this garden. f g a b ¬

GROUP GARDEN

Q THORPE GARDENS DL12 9TU. 5m SE of Barnard Castle. 9m from Scotch Corner W on A66. Turn R at Peel House Farm Shop signed Wycliffe and Whorlton, 1m from A66. Home-made teas at Thorpe Cottages. Combined adm £3, chd free. Sun 1 July (2-5). Thorpe is a charming hamlet where there are three very different cottage gardens. One has 2 ponds linked by a small waterfall which attracts wildlife and contains some large fish. There is a greenhouse and vegetable garden along with flower borders and stunning views over open countryside. Another has a colourful large herbaceous bed and concealed seating area at the top of a small slope where there is a mature, prolific cherry tree. The third mature garden has many unusual plants and is gardened in a typical cottage garden manner. Also open is Thorpe Hall, a large interesting formal garden still in the course of development and now opened is a magnificent walled kitchen garden. Wood carving demonstration. e g b

350 Volunteers help run the NGS – why not become one? NORTH EAST 21

Mindrum Photograph © Susie White

R ◆ WALLINGTON Cambo NE61 4AR. National Trust, 01670 773600, www.nationaltrust.org.uk/wallington. 12m W of Morpeth. From N B6343; from S via A696 from Newcastle, 6m W of Belsay, B6342 to Cambo. Adm £9.70, chd £6.70. For NGS: Suns 27 May; 8 July (10-7). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. Walled, terraced garden with fine herbaceous and mixed borders; Edwardian conservatory; 100 acres woodland and lakes. House dates from 1688 but altered, interior greatly changed c1740; exceptional rococo plasterwork by Francini brothers. Head Gardener’s Question Time 12-4. e f g b

S ◆ WASHINGTON OLD HALL The Avenue, Washington Village NE38 7LE. National Trust, 01914 166879, www.nationaltrust.org.uk. 7m SE of Newcastle upon Tyne. Exit A1 J64 onto A195 then follow brown signs to Wahington Old Hall. From A19 & other routes take A1231 & follow brown signs to Washington Old Hall in Washington Village, next to church on the hill. Adm £2.50, chd £1. For NGS: Sat 8 Sept (12-4). For other opening times and information, please phone or see garden website. The picturesque stone manor house and its gardens provide a tranquil oasis in an historic setting. It contains a formal Jacobean garden with box hedging borders around evergreens and perennials, vegetable garden, wild flower nut orchard with bee hives. Places to sit out and enjoy a picnic or afternoon tea. Refreshments supplied by Friends of Washington Old Hall. e f b

Every garden visit makes a difference 22 NORTH EAST

Woodside House Photographed by Shanah Smailes

T WHALTON MANOR GARDENS Whalton NE61 3UT. Mr & Mrs T R P S Norton, www.whaltonmanor.co.uk. 5m W of Morpeth. On the B6524, the house is at the east end of the village and will be signed. Adm £3.50, chd free. Sun 1 July (2-5.30). The historic Whalton Manor, altered by Sir Edwin Lutyens in 1908, is surrounded by 3 acres of magnificent walled gardens, designed by Lutyens with the help of Gertrude Jekyll. The gardens have been developed by the Norton family since the 1920s and incl extensive herbaceous borders, 30yd peony border, rose garden, listed summerhouses, pergolas and walls, festooned with rambling roses and clematis. Partial wheelchair access. Some stone steps. e g b

U ◆ WHICKHAM HERMITAGE COMMUNITY GARDEN Hermitage Lane, Front Street, Whickham NE16 4JL. Whickham Community Centre, www.whickhamhermitagegarden. co.uk. SW of Newcastle. Follow B6317 (Whickham Highway from East/Swalwell Bank from West). Garden in Hermitage Lane behind Community Centre. Public parking opp Community Centre in Back Row, behind Bridle Path PH, or in West car park. No parking on site. Adm £3, chd free. For NGS: Sun 29 July (10-4). For other opening times and information, please see garden website. This tucked away tranquil gem of a 1-acre garden was rescued from dereliction and a modern Victorian garden has been created, solely through the work of volunteers. Wildlife pond and bog garden, fruit and vegetable garden. This award winning garden has been extensively planted with trees, flowers and shrubs of many varieties. e b

LOOK OUT FOR . . .

1927 GARDEN Gardens which opened for the NGS in 1927 and are opening again in 2012 to mark the Scheme’s 85th Anniversary.

Stock up on must-have plants g NORTH EAST 23

V hNEW WOODSIDE HOUSE Witton Park, Bishop Auckland DL14 0DU. Charles & Jean Crompton, 01388 609973, [email protected]. 2m N of Bishop Auckland. From Bishop Auckland take A68 to Witton Park. In the village please park in Main St. Then follow signs down track next to St Paul’s Church. Parking for disabled at the garden. DO NOT follow Sat Nav. Home-made teas. Adm £4, chd free. Sun 17 June (1-5). Visitors also welcome by appt. Stunning 3 acre, mature, undulating garden full of interesting trees, shrubs and plants. Superbly landscaped with island beds, flowing herbaceous borders, an old walled garden, rhododendron beds, 3 ponds and vegetable garden. Delightful garden full of interesting and unusual features, much to fire the imagination. Winner of Bishop Auckland in Bloom. Limited wheelchair access. e g b ¬

W WOOPERTON HALL Wooperton, Alnwick NE66 4XS. Mr & Mrs Robert Fleming. 6m S of Wooler. Signed off the A697. Home-made teas. Adm £4, chd free (share to Eglingham & Old Bewick Churches). Sun 27 May (1.30-5.30). Rescued from the brink and restored over the last 15yrs this country house garden has something for everyone - sweeping lawns with glorious views and mature trees, shrubs, rhododendrons and azaleas: overflowing mixed borders and roses old and new. Extensive fruit and vegetable garden, wild pond garden. Music group playing throughout the afternoon. Limited wheelchair access, gravel paths and steep slopes. e f g b

Please remember that most gardens are private property. They are open through the generosity and enthusiasm of their owners and have not been designed for the visiting public. When requested, please stay on the marked paths, avoid hazards and take care to avoid damaging plants. Thank you for your co-operation and enjoy your visit.

DISCOVER KIRKHARLE COURTYARD Creativity, Culture, Art & Quality Heritage in stunning shopping you won’t find Northumberland countryside on your High Street Galleries, workshops, boutique shopping and a welcoming coffee house/restaurant. Enjoy a great day out to explore the inspirational landscape & courtyard and lake at the birthplace of Capability Brown, Britain’s most famous landscape architect. KIRKHARLE COURTYARD AND LAKE Newcastle Upon Tyne NE19 2PE Tel: 01830 540 362 [email protected] www.kirkharlecourtyard.co.uk

From allotments to terraced plots Every gardener needs to think about water, but did you know that we do too?

Living in a hard or soft water area makes a big difference to the taste of your tea - that’s why we create special blends to ensure you get a proper brew wherever you live.

Let’s have a proper brew