Ludlow's secret garden opens its gates

Ludlow couple Kevin and Carolyn Wood have tended their unusual half acre plot for about 30 years and it is touted as one of the jewels in the crown of an annual open gardens scheme.

But it is not a grand garden attached to some manor house, but rather a hidden gem in the heart of town, tucked away behind a row of terrace houses on Steventon New Road.

The garden at 21 Steventon Terrace will be opening to the public for its sixth year in a row on Saturday as part of the National Gardens Scheme (NGS), which sees privately owned, interesting and beautiful gardens open to raise money for nursing and care-supporting charities.

April Deumayne Jones, speaking for NGS, said: "It is the only day of the year that the public is invited in.

"This is a jewel in the NGS Shropshire crown. Owned by Mr and Mrs Wood who have lived there since 1981, the house is an old terraced railway cottage. The secret part about it is that it has a huge garden hidden behind it, which has been cleverly divided into sections and reveals a wide range of planting and micro-climates.

"The garden has lawned areas, curved beds and arches smothered with clematis, roses and wisteria, a stunning pond full of fish and a fountain bordered by hostas and a delightful gazebo.

"Further along, a summerhouse enables visitors to sit and admire the tropical planting, herbaceous borders and unusual Adam’s needle and bay palms.

"The garden then begins to climb the bank towards the railway and several terraced areas lead through arches to a Mediterranean style garden, vegetable plots and a natural, ‘fox-free’ chicken run.

"Throughout the garden, there are eclectic animal figures to delight all ages. Fabulous planting combinations, topiary and plenty of secluded seating areas complete the picture, along with a poly-tunnel, greenhouse and working area, where cuttings and plants are potted on for sale or planting.

"This beautiful garden is renowned locally, having won Ludlow in Bloom Large Garden category over several years and been host to a wedding blessing for neighbours.

"Inspired by Alan Titchmarsh and wanting to give something back to the wonderful Macmillan nurses who cared for Carolyn’s step father Ron Davis, the couple decided the best way to do this was to share their garden through the National Garden Scheme."

The garden will be open from 12.30pm to 5.30pm, admission £3.50 with children free and home-made tea and cakes available.

On Sunday the garden at Millichope Park, Munslow, near Craven Arms will also be open from 1pm to 6pm, admission £5 with children free.