A SEA of colour will greet visitors to one of Teesdale’s most popular open garden events.
Villagers in Whorlton will throw open their gates on Sunday, May 6, between 2pm and 5pm with tulips taking centre stage. A total of 12 gardens are set to feature, alongside home-baked afternoon tea served in the village hall.
Linda Alderson’s garden will be one of the dozen or so plots welcoming visitors.
“I think at this time of year it’s at its nicest with spring in the air ,” said Mrs Alderson.
“We seem to do really well here – I don’t know whether it’s the afternoon teas or the gardens. I think it’s probably a bit of both.
“It’s really nice because people have worked hard through the year.”
Mrs Alderson said she’d be taking the opportunity to have a look at her neighbours’ efforts and pinch the odd cutting here and there. A long, cold winter and a damp spring have put back plans for a number of green-fingered folk in the dale.
Mrs Alderson hoped the open gardens could offer some cheer if the weather held. She added: “We’ve lost quite a few bulbs over the years and the dog enjoys digging them up.
“If the bulbs get wet they rot easily so it’s surprising how many have survived. It’s been miserable lately so to have the gardens on can cheer people up.”
A garden-themed tombola and plant stand will also feature in front of the village hall with plants provided by Hutton Magna’s Martin Walker. Funds raised through the day will go towards the upkeep of the hall and will help support events held there throughout the year. Tickets are £3 per person and children go free.
More open garden events are expected in Whorlton through the summer.
For more updates about the day visit Whorlton Village Hall’s Facebook page.
