Landmark year for gardening charity

A HOST of glorious gardens will be opened up to the public as a charity scheme marks its 90th year.
The National Garden Scheme has been running since 1927 and some 34 gardens are opening this year across the region.
A booklet listing all the gardens has also been launched.
Peter Morgan, from the County Durham and Teesside branch of the organisation, said: “The Queen’s Nursing Institute had worked hard to raise money to provide district nurses and in 1927 Miss Elsie Wagg had the marvellous idea of asking people to open their gardens and charging a shilling.
“A total of 609 gardens opened that first year and they made £8,000. Raby Castle was one of those original gardens and is still opening for us today.”
The National Gardens Scheme, which is launching new branding for 2017, has continued to support nursing and caring charities. So far it has donated more that £50million.
Highlights in the Teesdale area this year include Ravensford Farm, near Hamsterley, which is opening on Saturday, April 1.
It is owned by Jonathan and Caroline Peacock who said: “It’s an April Fools day opening for this large garden that has been with the National Garden Scheme for nearly two decades but has never before opened so early in the year. Spring bulbs are a feature, as are many unusual (labelled) shrubs and trees. On the day, we sell plants and jams from the garden, we serve homemade cakes for tea, and Northumbrian pipers provide the background music.”
Admission is £4, children free. Light refreshments will be on offer.
Other Teesdale area gardens to open will be: The Old Vicarage, in Hutton Magna, on Sunday, April 23; Hillside Cottages, Low Etherley, on May 21; and The Forge, in Ravensworth, on Sunday, June 4; group gardens in Middleton-in-Teesdale, on June 17; Raby Castle, on July 15; Quarry End, in Walworth, on August 20.
Visit ngs.org.uk for more details.