THE owners of a historic farmhouse are opening the gates to their gardens to raise funds for a local church.
Passionate gardener Mary Nesbitt, of Alwent Hall, near Winston, is hoping to attract large crowds on Sunday, July 22, when she opens the gardens at her home.
She said: “We’ve tried to make sure we’ve got something for everyone and there are lots of quirky features here and there, things we’ve gathered up from the farm over the years.”
The gardens, which Mrs Nesbitt has spent the past 20 years altering and improving, are filled with a great variety of shrubs, perennials and are dotted with umpteen water features.
Among the attractions are a newly-discovered well, a koi carp pond and secluded shrub lined duck pond.
There are also mature walnut trees, one of which has its very own “green man” face, and ancient, twisted plum trees.
In addition to the meandering gardens of the grade II listed, 17th century hall guests will also be invited to explore those of two neighbouring cottages.
Mrs Nesbitt said: “One of these cottage gardens was just a bare patch of earth a year ago.
“Now it is a wonderful example of what can be done in such a short space of time.”
There will be a display of classic cars and some pedigree Charolais and Texels, bred by her husband Steve Nesbitt, on show during the afternoon, including Charolais calf, Oreo, who has beenhand-reared since he was born seven weeks prematurely.
Cream teas will be served in vintage crockery from an open sided barn with views to Raby Castle.
The gardens will be open between 2pm and 5pm on Sunday, July 22.
Entry is £3.50 and all funds raised will go to St Andrew’s Church, at Winston.
