A number of beautiful gardens in and around Wilmslow will be open to the public next month as part of The National Gardens Scheme (NGS).
Founded in 1927, the NGS has donated more than £22 million to nursing and other caring charities from money raised by opening almost 4000 private gardens in England and Wales.
In 2011, the NGS raised £2.6 million and the Cheshire & Wirral area alone, with almost 100 gardens, raised £105,000.
Charities supported by the NGS include Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads Care.
Local gardens participating in the NGS in July include:
- Well House, Dean Row Road, Wilmslow - Tended by an expert naturalist, this beautifully landscaped 3-acre garden encompasses formal areas, lush herbaceous borders, rich woodland and an extensive wild flower meadow boasting a growing colony of wild orchids. Open Sunday 1 July from 1pm to 4.30pm. Admission £4, children free.
- Brooke Cottage, Church Road, Handforth - Garden designer's plant-filled garden surrounded by trees and shrubs. Unusual water feature, tree ferns, astrantias, hydrangeas, foxgloves, other shade-loving plants, Container garden with banana, cannas, ligularias, bamboo, daylilies. Open Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15th July from 12-5pm. Admission £3, children free.
- 68 South Oak Lane, Wilmslow - Plant-packed garden with its year-round colour, scent and interest. The owners' passion for plants is reflected in shrubs, trees, flower borders and pond, which create havens for wildlife. Open Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15th from 11am to 4.30pm. Admission £3, children free.
- Greenways, 82 Knutsford Road, Alderley Edge - A garden for plant enthusiasts. A personal collection of unusual and familiar perennials and shrubs set in 1½ acres, in a range of growing conditions. Open Saturday 14 July and Sunday 15th from 2pm to 5pm. Admission £4, children free.
Visit the National Gardens Scheme website for a full list of participating gardens.
Photo: Garden at 68 South Oak Lane.
