St Helen’s is a popular, important part of our community. All funds generated today will help maintain the vital role it plays for those in the ‘Shire and far beyond. The organisers are indebted to the skilled gardeners opening their gardens, and the cooks who have provided the refreshments. Particular thanks to the WI who have shown wonderful enthusiasm and support.
- Please park cars sensitively!
- Toilets and refreshments will be available in the parish hall all day
- Huge effort has been made to keep everyone safe, but please be aware of own needs. All participants go at own risk.
- There will be a retirement presentation to Andrew Patterson and the raffle will be drawn between 4:30 – 5:00 in the parish hall – come and show your appreciation!
Gardens to Enjoy!
1 – Archie Courage – Fivedykes, Whitley Chapel, NE47 0HZ. What3Words contact.replaying.chins
One of the highest elevation gardens in the Shire Garden Trail adding its horticultural challenges as a result. Terraced lawns, rhododendrons and azaleas and roses are the general theme flowering from March to October, A cherub powered by the natural fall of water sits in the middle of the stream running through the garden and down the newly felled Scots pine wood, which has been replanted with wild flowers, which are mostly perennials so a few early annuals might be putting in an appearance as you drive in.
The Shire’s resident Track Day Sports car, a Lotus, may be of interest to any ‘petrol-head’ gardeners, sitting bang in the middle of the lawn. Why? Why not?
Question – What kind of Lotus can you see?
2 – Ben and Rachael Hayward-Smith- Rawgreen, NE47 0HL, on the left going South past first Low then High Rawgreen. What3Words forgiving.flaking.functions
Plenty of parking if used sensibly.
A circular undulating path around the meadow, rough underfoot, sadly not suitable for people with poor mobility or wheelchairs. Dogs on leads only.
Question: Name a parasitic plant that live off grass and is common in wildflower meadows.
3 – Derwent and Kate Gibson Moss House, Steel, NE47 0HL. What3Words sheepish.unlimited.leap
This started in March 2023 as a sheet of mud, an almost plantless wilderness.
It is very exposed to the west wind and efforts to shield both by the rampart and bank on the west side and the summer house (built mainly out of reclaimed materials) have both helped. The two laurels and the holly bush were the only features and the large log was found and brought round from the yard as a focus for the eye.
Most plants and trees are therefore only in their third year as is the poly tunnel which was sourced from and built by two clever men from the Isle of Lewis in the Outer Hebrides. The tunnel provides warmth and shelter: last year the tree in there produced over 100 lovely peaches.
We look forward to your visit.
4 – St Helen’s Church, Whitley Chapel, NE470HB What3Words forge.trucks.scoop
Our lovely little church is closely attached to the school: the children have regular visits, events and services and have even contributed to the design of two windows. Following the wedding of Susie and Matt yesterday, the archway is still decorated beautifully by local experts. Today there is a message book for anyone to write a message to Andrew and Carol to help celebrate the 30 years they have contributed to our parish. There will also be plants for sale.
Question – What is flying above the door?
5 – Geraldine and Tim – The Stables, Dotland Farm. NE46 2JY What3Words prancing.profiled.from
Our garden is mainly laid to lawn with herbaceous borders and a few mature trees which I planted as whips in 1991 when I moved to Dotland. There was just an area of bare land after the barns had been converted, so the garden was created from scratch. Behind the stables is a vegetable plot which struggles against the wind with anything growing above ground! A leek trench is beside this, hopefully containing some good entries for the September Leek Club Show). There is a small wildlife pond which has a wrought iron covering. A rear walled courtyard has herbs, shrubs and some extra show leeks in pots, hedging our bets. The lawned area is flat with a paved path around the conservatory with a couple of steps up to the gate to the garden exit. There are some rare breed Greyfaced Dartmoor sheep grazing in our paddocks from where we have far reaching views on a clear day to Hexham racecourse and beyond to the Cheviots and Scotland. Parking is available on the grass area to the left-hand side as you come up the track from the road. From here you can visit Harbut Law and then walk round the corner a short distance to The Stables.
Question –Can you spot a “black” insect around the pond?”
6 -Elizabeth and Mike Linklater Harbut Law, Dotland Hexham What3Words: talker.infects.shorthand
We have wonderful views down the Tyne Valley and are wheelchair accessible to all parts of the main garden – large lawned area, three terraces and a courtyard. There are plenty of places to sit and enjoy the scenery. Good car parking on the grassed area outside the garden. It would probably be as well for folks to park by us, see our garden, then walk up the path to see the garden at The Stables. Please be aware that the rabbits have been busy in recent years, so watch out for rabbit holes!
Question : Find the fairy statue – what does she have on her hands?
7 – Tricia Arnold Black House, Dipton Mill Road, NE46 1RZ What3Words strength.giggles.firming
The views are fantastic: definitely the best feature of the garden! Designed around dogs and grandchildren and plants that can survive both of these and the Black House clay. Definitely a non-gardeners garden! Black House Garden principles -a weed is just a plant you don’t want. Most ‘weeds’ are pretty so you do want them! Moss and Welsh poppies are to be encouraged
The property sits on the top of the hill so there are slopes everywhere. There is no level or paved area as all surfaces are gravel or uneven grass so sadly it is not wheelchair friendly. The garden has an unfenced water feature. Access to the Black House play park requires constant adult supervision-wellies and waterproofs are recommended as it’s quite muddy a lot of the time. No dogs please!
Question: What is the plant in the stone sink to the west side of the south facing patio door?
8 – Alistair and Maureen Stevens What3Words blissful.boss.expect
Our garden has some big trees, hedges and rough edges and is a haven for birds. There are a few flowerbeds and a veg patch as well. You’re also welcome to walk through our three-acre hay meadow which has many wildflowers.
Question – How many benches have you seen in the garden?
9 – Karen and Joe Melvin: Holly Hill Cottage, Slaley. NE47 0AP. What3Words method.testy.camera
Cottage garden and wild area, reclaimed from quarry tip over 50 years, all planting and building done by present owners, with yew topiary and collections of unusual trees and perennials. The garden has been featured in the Northumbrian magazine. The garden is on three levels with steep steps and a small unprotected quarry drop-off at edge of lawn. The main central garden and some of the lower garden is wheelchair accessible over stony or grass paths. Spilt Milk Band will be playing in the afternoon. No dogs please.
Question –
