There are three fabulous local gardens to visit in July, as part of the National Gardens Scheme, each of which has its own fascinating story to tell.
In Alderley Edge there is a garden with a Welsh connection. Jenny and Roger Lloyd live at Greenways, mid-way between Alderley Edge and Wilmslow on the Knutsford Road. Described by Jenny and Roger as "A garden for plant enthusiasts", this is a personal collection of unusual and familiar perennials and shrubs.
The Welsh connection is really a Vietnamese one. Jenny and Roger had heard about Sue and Bleddyn Wynn Jones, and their amazing plant nursery in Caernarfon. Bleddyn used to rear beef cattle and switched to plant cultivation over 20 years ago. He and Sue travel to such remote places as Chile, The Andes and Vietnam in search of unusual plants that might adapt to the British climate and their efforts have paid off – this year they won a gold medal and the President's Award for the best exhibit at the Chelsea Flower Show.
Jenny and Roger are keen customers and you can see their Vietnamese plants, probably for the first time, on Saturday 16th and Sunday 17th July, 2-5pm. Admission is £3.50, children are free and home-made teas will be served.
Open the previous weekend is Hunters Croft, on the A538 between Wilmslow and Prestbury. This is the home of garden enthusiasts Len and Mary Beth Morris. They thought that a wildflower meadow would be a great addition to their garden, but were put off as it can be a long-term project. Luckily, Mary had heard about wildflower turf which is normal grass turf with wildflowers in just the right proportions to ensure quick results.
As a result of using the 'magic turf', they have an established wildflower meadow in less than six months which complements their garden with its ever-changing herbaceous, rhododendron and azalea borders surrounding a summerhouse. There is also a rockery with mature acers and a pond with a bog garden. Hunters Croft is open on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July from 1pm to 5pm. Admission is £3.50, children are free and home-made teas will be available.
During the same weekend, visitors can take a trip back in time to the age of the dinosaurs at 68 South Oak Lane which is the home of Caroline and David Melliar-Smith. It is also home to Wollemi Pine, one of the world's oldest and rarest trees first discovered in Australia.
Caroline bought one of these unique trees after a trip "down under" and is delighted that it has survived its first English winter. She has four other determined survivors: Daphne, Olive, Myrtle and Rosemary. All through last winter she popped her head out of the back door every day "To see how our four girls were getting on" and they are all thriving.
In addition to these survival heroes, this plant-packed garden has year-round colour, scent and the shrubs, trees, borders and pond create havens for wildlife. Open on Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th July, 11am-5pm. Admission is £3 and children are free.
For further information visit the National Garden Scheme website.
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