Broomfield Hall Open Gardens - Morley - Derbyshire
This is the first time this establishment was open under the wonderful National Open Garden Scheme, which is now celebrating its 90th year of opening for charity. - see previous blog.
Broomfield Hall is part of Derby Cellege and covers 25 acres of Victorian gardens and woodlands which are maintained by students and volunteers.
The original hall was built in 1873 by industrialist Charles Schwind, when he employed the services of WilliamBarron from nearby Elvaston Castle. It has had a somewhat chequered past, and after a long period of neglect is now, with the skill and energy of Head Gardener Samantha Harvey and a large team of volunteers, undergoing restoration. Key areas of the grounds have been restored thanks to a £4,000 grant received last year from the Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust.
I started off with refreshments, provided by volunteers - and very nice it was too!
Then on to a tour! There are so many different areas like the impressive Long Border, which is in the process of being planted, the Japanese garden which is to be restored, and the new Rose Garden, and a grant has been received to help fund this project. There is however a rabbit problem and everything is having to be protected with wire!
I was particularly taken with Parterre Garden, where cool colour are to be used to fill the beds. Further on there was an interesting array of different kinds of hedges, which the students were learning to prune. My favourite tree was Prunus 'Shirofugen' for underneath was a notice commemorating the contribution made to the gardens by William Barron (1805 -1851), who was head gardener at nearby Elvaston Castle - see my ebook telling the delightful story about this place.
I also enjoyed going through the Woodland Walk where we saw the lovell 'Handkerchief Tree, still with some white leaf bracts.
Then it was time to explore the large, extensive plant centre - no wonder everyone was leaving absolutely laden - me included!
This is definitely a 'work in progress' but it was interesting to go on a tour and see the extensive gardens, which at one time must have been quite breathtaking. I look forward to visiting again the future.
***Did you know they used oil from under Sherwood Forest during the Second World War? For more about this amazing, and little-known story, just click here
Broomfield Hall is part of Derby Cellege and covers 25 acres of Victorian gardens and woodlands which are maintained by students and volunteers.The original hall was built in 1873 by industrialist Charles Schwind, when he employed the services of WilliamBarron from nearby Elvaston Castle. It has had a somewhat chequered past, and after a long period of neglect is now, with the skill and energy of Head Gardener Samantha Harvey and a large team of volunteers, undergoing restoration. Key areas of the grounds have been restored thanks to a £4,000 grant received last year from the Stanley Smith (UK) Horticultural Trust.
I started off with refreshments, provided by volunteers - and very nice it was too!
Then on to a tour! There are so many different areas like the impressive Long Border, which is in the process of being planted, the Japanese garden which is to be restored, and the new Rose Garden, and a grant has been received to help fund this project. There is however a rabbit problem and everything is having to be protected with wire!
I was particularly taken with Parterre Garden, where cool colour are to be used to fill the beds. Further on there was an interesting array of different kinds of hedges, which the students were learning to prune. My favourite tree was Prunus 'Shirofugen' for underneath was a notice commemorating the contribution made to the gardens by William Barron (1805 -1851), who was head gardener at nearby Elvaston Castle - see my ebook telling the delightful story about this place.
I also enjoyed going through the Woodland Walk where we saw the lovell 'Handkerchief Tree, still with some white leaf bracts.
Then it was time to explore the large, extensive plant centre - no wonder everyone was leaving absolutely laden - me included!
This is definitely a 'work in progress' but it was interesting to go on a tour and see the extensive gardens, which at one time must have been quite breathtaking. I look forward to visiting again the future.
***Did you know they used oil from under Sherwood Forest during the Second World War? For more about this amazing, and little-known story, just click here
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