News Article

 

New North Norfolk National Gardens Scheme Garden

 

Burgh House, Burgh Road Aylsham, is the first “New” North Norfolk 2009 National Gardens Scheme garden to open this year on the 10th & 17th May (12-6). Once part of Aylsham Manor garden, it is a slow project to uncover its history and reclaim paths in the four acre mixed deciduous woodland bluebell walk, with ponds, free range fowl and a large rookery.

Richard and Maureen Burr decided to open their garden when a close local friend was diagnosed as terminally ill with breast cancer. Richard said “Emma Hurley is a very brave young lady. She was a marketing manager of Norwich health club “Greens” until diagnosed. In 2007 Emma was featured on the front cover of the book, “The Boudica Within” written by Dr Elaine Sassoon of the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, a breast reconstruction surgeon. Emma hoped it would help make it easier for others to cope with the disease, to raise awareness of the transformation breast reconstruction can give a woman. Opening the garden for the NGS is a way of supporting the charities that are caring for Emma and her family. She was given just 18 months to live in June 2006. When a garden opening date is in place it gives a timescale to completing some of the projects in the garden. It is an opportunity to provide a day out for many visitors to the garden and raise money for the worthwhile charities of the NGS‘’.

Richard has many future plans for the garden to include the wildlife and feature a miniature steam railway. It is also unusual to find such a large garden in a town centre area. Home-made pizza lunches in a French wood-fired oven will be served 12-2pm and afternoon teas.

Visit your local Tourist information Centre to pick up a Norfolk NGS Gardens leaflet and follow the Norfolk National Gardens Scheme garden trail. If your garden is of high quality, character and at least forty-five minutes interest contact County Organiser Fiona Black to discuss opening your garden or recommend a friend’s garden! Tel 01692 650247.