Garden
The Secret Gardens have been open since 1987 at first just a few days for the Yellow Book, Red Cross and other Charities. Now it is a 3 acre garden attraction with adjoining plant nursery & coffee shop open from March – end Sept.Wednesday-Sunday
There is an entrance fee for the Secret Gardens but no charge to the Nursery, Coffee Shop & Tea Terraces. Dogs on leads are welcome
There is now a succession of linked gardens growing a wide range of hardy plants which came about partly by accident when we realised that the area would have to be divided into smaller areas to combat the ferocious and constant winds from all directions.
- We took on the challenge and planted over 180 trees around the perimeter the first winter. The following year we planted ‘the arboretum’ an area of unusual trees most of which flower and fruit with good autumn colour. We marked out mixed borders on the grassland and planted hedges to make smaller garden areas.
- Each garden has a different theme and planting conditions, with dry and wet soil in sun and shade we have been able to grow a huge range of hardy plants which we propagate for sale in the nursery.
- We grow shrubs,perennials, climbers, grasses herbs, rock plants, water plants , bulbs and anything else that appeals. Believing that it is better to find the best plant for a site than to try and change the environment. We have rescued and reused materials for hard landscaping features and so the extensive range of garden artefacts also enhances the garden and nursery. All of this has been good practical experience for our garden design service.
DESIGN: We also offer a local Garden Design Service.
The initial consultation meeting will involve an exchange of ideas & concepts which you may already have. We will discuss decorative aspects, design options and practicalities. Including horticultural advice on soil, plants etc. We carry out soil tests and measure up the site. A base plan is then drawn up, outlining the main features & ideas. This plan is hand drawn to scale. Each garden is tailored to fit individual needs, ideas & location. At this stage we will also supply a list of plants to suit your site & soil if you wish to prepare your own planting plan. – Useful for keen gardeners & DIY enthusiasts. This will take approx 3 hours on an average size plot. 23x14m – under .25 acre. This plan can then be interpreted by yourselves or passed on to a landscape contractor.
The fee for this initial consultation includes up to 3 hours on site & travel of up to 60miles round trip. £320.00
For gardens outside 30mile radius one extra hour is charged; £392.00 which will be spent travelling.We will bring photographs of our work & copies of plans to help you choose whether or not you wish to proceed to the next phase.
Phase 2 Having discussed your requirements, we can then estimate the cost of detailed plans with planting schemes redrawn on a larger scale based on an additional cost of £70 per hour
Just call for an appointment on 01207 232262
