National Garden Scheme – Norfolk

October is a beautiful time in the garden and a busy time for gardeners too. Two very special gardens open for the National Garden Scheme this month, which end the season of garden visiting and should not be missed. Over on the east side of the county is the well-known garden at East Ruston which recently appeared on Gardener’s World, and opening just south of Norwich for the very first time is East Carleton Manor where pre-booking is essential.

EAST RUSTON OLD VICARAGE, NORWICH NR12 9HN (12 noon – 5.30pm) Admission £13, Children £2. Light Refreshments.

Rare and unusual plants abound in this 32 acre, all year-round garden, providing a variety of different and interesting types of areas which include walled, rose, fruit, vegetable and cutting, as well as topiary and box parterres. Mediterranean and exotic, wonderful water features and spectacularly planted containers. Wheelchair access. No dogs.

10am – 4pm, admission £10.00, children free. Pre-booking essential. Home-made teas and refreshments in aid of Priscilla Bacon Hospice. Partial wheelchair access. No dogs.

A 10-acre garden designed and planted in the 1960s for autumn colour, with many interesting trees and shrubs. Summerhouse with a knot garden, a walled garden and a hydrangea border. Moon gate and Italian garden. Water circulates through smaller ponds into a lake with water lilies.