DERSINGHAM OPEN GARDENS

Dersingham Open Gardens

At the present moment it is possible that Dersingham Open Gardens may take a break in 2023, so the information below is not current. Please check back here for an update when it becomes available.

Since Open Gardens 2022 more and more people, young and old, have come to appreciate the calming effect gardening brings. It is not only about the plants, it also connects us to Nature in a wider sense, and gives us a chance to encourage insects and animals into our gardens. Sharing our different garden successes was one way of keeping in touch with my children, and my grandchildren, who have all loved to report what they have been doing or seen in their garden. One of my greatest pleasures is just to walk around my garden each day and see the changes from the day before.

A garden can take so many forms; half an acre of beautifully manicured lawns and beds, to a few pots on a patio and everything in between. Chelsea Flower Show and Hampton Court Flower Show offer the most spectacular and jaw-dropping array of gardens and plants, but I wonder how many of us have fallen in love with a plant there, bought it, only to find it doesn’t survive in our garden. The joy of being able to visit gardens in your local area is that whatever you see growing is more than likely to grow in your garden too. The owners of the gardens will likely have had some of the gardening problems that you have had and be able to offer advice or solutions. On top of that we have the chance to enjoy some of the best kept secrets of the village hidden behind walls, hedges and fences.

We will have many “old-favourites” open and some new gardens to explore. All proceeds from the event will be divided between St Nicholas Church and the Village Centre.

There will also be some of our local artists opening up their studios alongside their gardens. Make sure you put this weekend on your calendar and come and see some of the wonders of Dersingham!

Front Gardens

As a mark of respect for HM The Queen in this her 70th Jubilee Year, the Open Gardens team are asking for those with lively front gardens to decorate them with a “Royal” theme. However if you wish to enter your front garden without a “royal” look, then that’s fine. Visitors would then get a wayside look at the gardens with no need to disturb residents. A map would be produced showing locations of garden(s) (ie there might be a row of gardens such as opposite the church). There will be a competition for visitors to vote on their favourite - weird, wacky or wonderful and a modest prize offered. Anyone interested in joining the scheme contact Judy Collingham. Tel: 01485 540271 or 07425 138160 or Email: jcairnscol@gmail.com

Tickets

Tickets for Dersingham Open Gardens cost £4 if bought in advance. Advance tickets will available from Dersingham Post Office in Post Office Rd. and we will let you know when they are available for purchase. On the two days of the event your advance ticket must be exchanged for the garden guide, which you can get from Dersingham Village Centre, opposite St Nicholas Church. There is a map available here which shows the location of the Centre.

If you wish to pay on the day the cost is £5, which should be paid at the Centre. Here you will be given the guide, which includes a map and details of the gardens.

Children under 16 are admitted free to the event but must be accompanied by an adult.

The primary purpose of Dersingham Open Gardens is to raise money for St Nicholas, the village church, and also the Dersingham Village Centre, which is a hub for the local community. Many of the expenses of running Open Gardens are defrayed by voluntary work or financial contributions, ensuring that the maximum amount goes to worthy causes.

Parking

Car parking areas will be signed, but will be at the Village Centre and in St Nicholas Court which is adjacent to St Nicholas Church. Dersingham is a large village, so you may wish to use your car to get to some of the more outlying gardens.

Refreshments

Touring round gardens, examining artwork, stocking up with plants from a garden stall. All guaranteed to make you feel in need of refreshment! At Dersingham Open Gardens the hard working catering teams will be in action in the Village Centre. If you are too far from there and in need of refreshment, a couple of the gardens will be serving teas, coffee and cake. See the guide for details.