Oliver Ford Garden
The owner of the Oliver Ford Garden at Consett is a garden designer and winner of BBC Gardener of the Year in 2007. It was open in 2026 on 5th June.
It is a one and a half acre garden designed to blend in with the surrounding landscape. The overall feel of the garden is relaxed with little formality. There were some interesting Korean Fir trees with purple cones, surrounding a lawn which led to a woodland path down to a stream called Oliver Burn.
The acidity of the soil lends itself to a number of Rhododendrons, Azaleas and Japanese Maples. There was a small Japanese garden and lots of areas for quiet reflection. There were lots of plants to attract wildlife and nesting boxes for birds. I was particularly impressed by the number and colours of the Candelabra Primulas and because the garden is so sheltered it had evergreen Bizzy Lizzies.
Text and photos: Sue McG
Whorlton Open Gardens
Whorlton open gardens were on 14th June 2026. This event is definitely one for the diary for next year. 12 private gardens set in a beautiful little village setting, with a plant sale and homemade refreshments with delicious cakes. There was also a floral display in the village church, with an admission price of £5 this event was certainly value for money.
The gardens were lovingly maintained and all different, The gardeners were on hand to answer any questions about the plants. Some of the gardens had areas set aside for produce, a lot had a number of scented roses.
There was a garden given over to wildlife with the owner providing advice and leaflets on how to attract birds to the garden.
Another had a pond with newts. This house and garden had been in the family for a number of years.
A very enjoyable afternoon, with everyone very friendly and welcoming.
Eileen D and Sue McG made the Northern Echo!
Text and photos: Sue McG
Old Quarrington Gardens
Several u3a garden members went to the Old Quarrington gardens on Sunday, 28th June. The Stables was the place to pay and where the refreshments were so was usually the first stop. A good reason to visit this property is to say hello to the lovely alpacas. Drinks and a large selection of cakes was available and the miniature railway was fun. Two more gardens around the corner offered stunning displays of flowers and vegetables as seen in the selection of photos below. The photo that has several people absorbed by the pond is because there was a great-crested newt attracting attention. The owner of this property also has an interest in moths and was keen to share his breeding knowledge.
Text and photos: Pam T