VISITORS will get to explore two wildlife gardens for the price of one on Sunday, June 17, as part of the National Garden Society open day.
Neighbouring properties Lowbridge House and Broaches Farm, Dalton, will throw open the gates to raise money for charity.
“I’m both nervous and excited,” said Clarissa Milbank, who is opening up her garden at Lowbridge House for the first time and says the garden is all about the wildlife.
There is a large stream-fed pond complete with duck island, a woodland walk, stream as well as lawns, a caged soft fruit area and beautifully maintained borders with panoramic views of the countryside.
“It was my late husband’s idea to install the pond,” said Mrs Milbank.
“But I had no idea he was contemplating something so large.
“But it’s attracted so much wildlife and we regularly get kingfishers, wagtails, swallows and swifts visiting. We also have ducklings.”
Mrs Milbank said most of the gardens at Lowbridge House are wheelchair accessble. Jude Hutchinson, of Broaches Farm, is no less nervous despite having taken part five times before. The farm’s garden has been a labour of love during the past 30 years when she and her husband Alan transformed it from a field.
“It’s evolved over the years,” said Mrs Hutchinson, who is busy weeding to keep it in tip top condition. The meandering garden is a haven for wagtails, kingfishers and dippers,
It has two ponds, fed by a stream, borders of colourful perennials dotted with stone features and metal sculptures.
Admission to the gardens is £6 for adults, children go free. Gates open from noon to 6pm. There will be homemade teas and a plant stall.
