Speaker Report
Posted by Judy Lambourne on 25 February 2020
This couple moved to Herefordshire some 22 yrs ago, having been attracted by the county’s Hereford cattle, black & white houses, cider mills & presses. At Aulden Farm, they have established a 3 acre, informal country garden around their old farmhouse and they open for NGS. They prefer a naturalistic style to attract lots of wildlife. Jill is fond of statuary and has dotted pieces throughout the garden. The Whiteheads also hold a National Collection of Siberian Iris. They enjoy visiting other people’s gardens, particularly the less well known. NGS gardens are a favourite – Jill is always on the lookout for a particularly good piece of cake! Below is their list, to which I’ve added my jottings.
Ivy Croft, Ivington Green, Leominster HR6 0JN (NGS) Open 6th & 13th Feb, 9 – 4.30. Old cider house garden, good spring colour. Approx. 200 varieties of snowdrops, plus crocus, cyclamen, dwarf iris, and hamamelis in profusion. Hydrangea are good later in the year. Often opens with Aulden Farm.
The Weir Garden, Hereford (NT & NGS) West of Hereford overlooking the River Wye. Reflects the gardens of the 1920s with Roman temple – like statuary. Good for narcissi.
The Old Corn Mill, Ross - on - Wye, HR9 7LW (NGS) Open 23rd Feb. & 29th March, both 1 – 5pm. Naturalistic planting with statuary throughout. April is a good month to visit.