Market Drayton garden opens as part of National Garden Scheme
Visitors were able to explore the delights of a garden that threw open its gates to the public for charity.
Goldstone Hall, near Market Drayton, opened as part of the National Garden Scheme.
It is one of a number of gardens which are opening across the county as part of the scheme.
Entrance fees and money raised supports cancer and nursing charities including Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Hospices UK, the Carer’s Trust, and Parkinson’s UK.
Visitors went along to Goldstone Hall on Wednesday, which features five acres of gardens.
The main features of the garden are one of the largest hotel kitchen gardens in the UK with raised beds, the herbal walkway and the double tiered herbaceous border which backs onto a south facing wall.
Heritage tomatoes, salad, chillies and celeriac are nurtured in the large polytunnel, along with unusual vegetables and fruits.
Early roses are also feature in the walled garden, along with striped lawns and herbaceous beds.
The independent 2017 Good Hotel Guide highlighted the Goldstone Hall gardens as amongst the top 10 hotel gardens in Great Britain and Ireland.
Goldstone Hall proprietor, John Cushing, said: "It was a lovely day. We had a very nice turnout of people and raised £500 for the NGS.
"It is the first of about 10 openings. The next one will take place next Wednesday from 2pm to 5pm.
"The roses are just starting to come out and the kitchen garden was looking immaculate. It is a treat for any kitchen gardener. We have also got a great herbaceous garden.
"These openings provide a very pleasant way to have a stroll around the garden. We have got beautiful views across the countryside."
A number of Shropshire gardens will be opening their gates to visitors to raise funds for the NGS this bank holiday weekend.
One garden open on Sunday, in Weston-under-Redcastle, is The Citadel.
The garden features an imposing castellated house, which stands in four acres.
Also opening this Sunday is Longner Hall in Shrewsbury.
It features a long drive approach through parkland designed by Humphry Repton.
The walks are lined with golden yew through extensive lawns, with views over Severn Valley.
A six-acre garden, which was originally landscaped in 1962 will also be opening on Sunday.
Upper Shelderton House, in Craven Arms, features a new kitchen garden designed and planted by Jayne and Norman Grove. The ponds and woodland walk encourage wildlife.
For more details on all National Garden Scheme gardens visit ngs.org.uk
