A rare chance to see gardens
A NORTHUMBERLAND vineyard and gardens is set to welcome the public for only the second time in its history.
Adderstone House, near Bamburgh, will be opening its gardens and vineyard on Saturday, May 27, as part of the National Gardens Scheme, which celebrates its 90th anniversary this year and to raise funds for charity.
Built as a Victorian farmhouse in the mid-19th Century, it has been owned by John and Pauline Clough for 11 years.
Being keen gardeners, they have nurtured the original walled gardens and mill pond.
In addition, in what was 10 acres of farmland, they have created a vineyard, formal garden, and a sunken garden with the assistance of Sean Murray, from Ashington, the nurse-turned-garden designer and RHS Great Chelsea Challenge winner in 2015.
New developments this year include new planting in the formal garden, a boathouse folly and a long, dry border overlooking the lake.
“It has been great to work with Sean on these lovely new additions, so much has changed here since we retained him as his first professional commission since Chelsea,” said Pauline.
Sean added: “It has been a joy to work with such an enthusiastic couple who have encouraged my creativity and given me scope to put ideas into action.
“It’s a challenge to create unity on such a large scale. However, slowly, area by area, we are turning fields into beautiful sustainable spaces, the aim being to link the imposing house within its outstanding Northumbrian setting. No matter what time of year you visit, there is always something amazing unfurling in the garden at Adderstone House.”
There will be plants for sale, along with refreshments, including grape juice from the vineyard.
Adderstone House, Adderstone Mains can be found just to the east of the A1, north of Adderstone Services. It is best approached from the north due to the obscured junction with the A1. The gardens and vineyard will be open to the public on Saturday, May 27, between 1pm and 5pm.
Since its foundation 90 years ago the National Gardens Scheme has donated more than £50m to nursing and caring charities. NGS is the largest single annual donor to Macmillan, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and Carer’s Trust, as well as funding other charities. It has given £16m to Macmillan since 1984; £8m to Marie Curie since 1996; £4m to Carers Trust and £4.5m to Hospice UK.