Beck House Gardens
Photos by Stella Gooch
The first day of this year’s Dersingham Open Gardens was let down badly by the weather but it did not deter the visitors. I toddled along late in the afternoon and then decided to abandon my attempt to visit as the time left in the day did not allow me to do it justice. I am so glad I decided to go the second day – not only did the weather improve but I had more time to enjoy the beautiful gardens on show.
Beck House Gardens
Unfortunately, I was not able to see all 11 of the village gardens but the five we did visit were well worth the effort. The gardens of the characterful Beck House were a delightful sight. A great deal of thought and care in the layout and design of the garden was apparent as we went round.
Tall Trees was smaller than many of the gardens we looked at but was beautifully laid out with interesting borders and an aviary. In addition, the garden had a wonderfully impressive clematis creeper and a fascinating pond with active pondlife such as koi.
The garden at Dersingham Vicarage was deceiving. At first it appeared to be just open grass surrounded by trees. Venturing deeper to the rear of the Vicarage and we found a wonderful expanse of natural woodland and impressive and unique trees.
Beck House Gardens
Woodwynd – a house at the top of Dodds Hill – turned out to be a a substantial NGS listed garden complete with fruit and vegetable area. It was exceptionally deceptive from the first approach as the front appears fairly standard and low maintenance.
Once at the rear garden you find a chunk of simple, clean cut landscaped garden with sweeping borders and wide lawns with a fence barrier. Go beyond the fence and WOW. I could have stayed all day at that spot. It was almost a natural forest with fantastic colourful foliage at varying split levels with a stream.
Follow the cut out steps down and down and you could be lost forever. Eventually you find a “den” complete with children’s play swords, play guns and a transmitter (also for play). My boys would have moved in right there and then if they could.
Croft House was also an NGS listed garden. It appeared to have a simple lawn and be surrounded by trees (protected ones!) at the front. However, at the rear of the garden you found a beautiful and natural woodland walk, ponds and formal gardens.
Beck House Gardens
Most of these gardens have been works in progress for the duration of the home owner’s residence – in general this was in excess of 10-15 years. What a lot of hard work has been invested and what a wonderful collection of peaceful places have been created.
Gardens being shown for the first time at this illustrious event included gardens The Mill House and gardens in Manorside and Pansey Drive. The Mill House was listed in the brochure as a large, elevated garden full of interest and affording extensive views. Manorside was notable due to its creative use of living willow in a cottage style garden and Pansey Drive was a newly planted garden providing ideas and inspiration.
Naturally we stopped to recharge our batteries at Dersingham Church Hall where cream teas and cakes were efficiently served by a tireless team of volunteers. The walls of the Church Hall were adorned with a selection of paintings and prints by local artists. These were available to purchase should any take your fancy.
There had obviously been an enormous amount of work by local volunteers in compiling the art gallery and setting up the refreshments to add to the Open Gardens afternoons. A big thank you to all who contributed to our lovely cream tea.
Well done to the organisers and the gardeners who have toiled so hard. I am sorry I missed the other gardens but the day is only so long. Perhaps I shall have to go on both days next time.