NGS Garden Open Day

Willow Wood is very proud to announce that this year, for the first time, we will be opening our gardens to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme, which not only gives visitors access to exceptional private gardens throughout England and Wales, but raises money for nursing and health charities through an admission charge.

In 2019, the NGS donated £3million to charities including Hospice UK, Marie Curie and Macmillan Cancer Support. By visiting our gardens, you will therefore not only have a lovely day out, but you’ll be helping those who need it the most.

Willow Wood has two dates, the first is on Saturday 2 May when the late Spring blooms will be at their best and Saturday 18 July when the gardens will be in their full Summer glory. They are a testament to our wonderful volunteer gardening team who, under the direction of garden designer Sophie Cordingley, keep our grounds looking wonderful throughout the year.

Sophie, who trained at the National Trust, has designed the gardens in a series of formal and informal areas, creating sensory, therapeutic gardens filled with scent, texture, studies in colour combinations and sculptural form, water features and woodland walks. There are also wild areas which provide food for butterflies – so important for our Butterfly Memory Release on 11 July, when hundreds of Painted Ladies are released into the gardens in memory of loved ones.

There is even a kitchen garden where the herbs, soft fruit and vegetables can be used for the benefit of our patients. Inpatients have visual and physical access to their own terrace gardens and beyond as the garden spaces are interlinked though the planting design. There are many seating areas throughout the grounds where you can sit and absorb the beauty around you.

Sophie and the volunteer team will be available throughout the day to discuss the plantings and how the gardens have developed.

There will be a small charge of £5 to access the gardens on these days, and refreshments will be available, including Pimms, Prosecco, light snacks and cream teas. There will also be the opportunity to buy souvenirs, jewellery, accessories and small gifts as the reception gift shop will be open.

For further information on this, the Butterfly Memory Release and all Willow Wood’s events, please go to willowwood.org.uk .