National Garden Scheme – Norfolk

BRICK KILN HOUSE, Shotesham. Sun 2 August 10-4. This 2 acre country garden boasts a large terrace, lawns and colourful herbaceous borders. There is also a contemporary designed pergola garden, sculptures and a stream running through a diversely planted wood. Adm £8, chd free. Wheelchair access. Dogs welcome. Also open “by arrangement” until 12 September.
FIDDIAN’S FOLLIES, North Barningham NR11 7LA. Sun 2 August 10.30-5. The garden at Upwood Farm is affectionately known as Fiddian’s Follies and has been described as quirky, full of surprises and generally very different to usual herbaceous borders, rose beds and sweeping lawns. There are several follies, lovingly created with brick and stone elements in and around what was once an old quarry. The garden, set in 3 acres, also boasts wonderful unspoilt views. Adm £7, chd free. Dogs welcome.
84 FAKENHAM ROAD, Great Witchingham. Sun 9 August 10-4. This is a garden for keen plant enthusiasts, especially if you are interested in exotics. Boundaries disappear behind dense planting and narrow paths lead you around the garden. Space is at a premium and you will also see exotic pigeons, pheasants and parakeets among the plants. The owner is a firm believer in reuse and recycle and many of the garden structures reflect this ethos. Adm £5, chd free. Booking Essential.
SEVERALS GRANGE, Wood Norton. Sun 9 August 1-5. The garden surrounding Severals Grange are a perfect example of how colour, shape and form can be created by the use of foliage plants, from large shrubs to small alpines. Movement and lightness are achieved by interspersing these plants with a wide range of ornamental grasses. Splashes of additional colour are provided by a variety of herbaceous plants. Adm £6, chd free. Wheelchair access. Dogs welcome.
33 WALDEMAR LANE, Hellesdon. Sun 9 & Sun 23 August 10-4. This garden is all about big leaves and foliage textures and colours. A surprising and large suburban garden of many parts with an exciting mix of exotic and tropical plants combined with unusual perennials. A quirky palm thatched Tiki hut is an eye catching feature and there is a wonderful treehouse draped in plants as well as a pond. A large collection of succulents will be on show and there will be plants to buy. Adm £5, chd free. Pre booking essential. Wheelchair access.
ACRE MEADOW, Bradwell. Sun 16 & Mon 17 August 10-3. A dramatic, intensely planted hidden garden with a lawn free, richly colourful mix of exotic and other late season plants, this garden includes many cannas, large grasses, brugmansia, late season perennials, several unusual and uncommon plants and is alive with insects on sunny days. Separate areas include the tea garden, traditional conservatory and wildlife pond. Adm £5, chd free. Pre booking essential. Wheelchair access. Dogs welcome.
COBWEB COTTAGE, Shingham. Sun 23 August 11-4. A cottage garden on the edge of the village with mixed borders, a sunken greenhouse pergola and a wildlife pond. There is also a large productive ornamental kitchen garden with bees, chickens, treehouse, prairie planting and fruit cage. This is a very wildlife friendly garden. Adm £5, chd free. Dogs welcome. Limited parking. Also open “by arrangement”
until 30 August.
Before visiting a garden, it is advisable to check the website for up to date information at www.ngs.org.uk.