News Article

 

Garden Lovers “Yellow Book” Features Norfolk Garden

It is a great accolade to be accepted as an open garden for the National Gardens Scheme in itself. These gardens are recognised as of high quality,character and interest.  However this year a Norfolk garden image, Manor House Farm, Wellingham,  taken by a famous garden photographer, Marianne Majerus, is on the front cover of the National Gardens Scheme’s famous “Yellow Book”, the garden lovers bible.

Robin and Elisabeth Ellis of Manor House Farm, Wellingham opened their garden for the ngs for the first time in 2006 and now open just once a year in June.  It is  a charming four acre garden surrounding an attractive farmhouse.  It possesses  many interesting features:  formal quadrants with obelisks, 'Hot Spot' with grasses and gravel,  a small arboretum with specimen trees, a  lime walk, vegetable parterre and rose tunnel. An unusual 'Taj' garden with old-fashioned roses, tree peonies, lilies and pond has been designed and planted in what was once the farmyard, using the surrounding old walls to produce a microclimate.

County Organiser Anthea Foster said “ It is an achievement for any gardener to have their garden featured in any publication.  Norfolk is very proud that the National Gardens Scheme has chosen one of its county’s gardens for the cover of  the Yellow Book.  It is an opportunity to highlight the diverse horticultural product  it has.  Manor House Farm not only has a fantastic garden that opens to raise money for the charity but it is also a working farm, has won conservation awards and has bed and breakfast accomodation, serving its own and local produce, raising the profile of both agriculture and tourism in Norfolk.  

Owner Libby Ellis said “It is fantastic to have our garden featured on the front cover of “The Yellow Book” and help promote the open gardens in Norfolk.  It is very rewarding to know that visitors recognise the  work we put in to achieve the ngs standard  and are willing to contribute to raising money for the worthwhile charities of the ngs by visiting.  I hope this will encourage more visitors this year and more gardens to open for the National Gardens Scheme in Norfolk.  Each year we meet many like minded garden enthusiasts and enjoy a  memorable day.”

The Yellow Book 2010 will be launched to the press on Wednesday February 3rd at the Royal Festival Hall by the new president, garden designer and TV personality, Joe Swift.   Copies cost £8.99 and are available to pre order online or later at local book stores.