This is the list of the 14 gardens opening on Sunday 30th June 11am to 5pm. The list also shows some of the various stalls and refreshment points. Entry is by programme (Adults £4 accompanied under 16 free) which can be bought from the local shop from mid-June or St Lawrence Church on the day. The church will be open to visit.
1) Ballister House, via Ship Hill Lane - Mr and Mrs Bullimore A sculptural approach to gardening has created curved rolling banks, a natural approach to planting and the installation of ponds to encourage wildlife. Extensive views of the river. It is anticipated that the garden railway will be working on the day..Access. Single track lane. Light refreshments available.
2) Stour Lodge, Station Road – Mr and Mrs Appleyard The garden at Stour Lodge was mainly planted and landscaped just over thirty years ago shortly after we moved in. We had to clear a fairly substantial apple orchard and transport many many tons of soil around the garden before starting planting. It is unfortunately now beginning to show its age (rather like its owners) and a number of plants have died, some replanting has just started. What has not changed however are the splendid views over the Stour.
3) Shoregate House, Station Road – Mr and Mrs Webb Garden with a fabulous view of the estuary. This garden faces the challenges of a north east wind which can be very cruel during the winter months. The garden slopes down and can be hard to keep moist for plants; it is mainly laid out to shrubs that survive these conditions with winding paths and ponds, with some summer bedding plants for colour. Always evolving.Access.. Wheelchair access is possible via a sloping driveway and path to the garden, it requires a sturdy push back up again!
4) Bradfield Place, Harwich Road – Mr and Mrs HobartA crinkle crankle walled garden by the church in Bradfield. The garden and house was totally redesigned when Christian and Ursi moved into the property in 1999. The walled garden is a simple design of formal and informal, incorporating a small orchard Access. Blue badge holders cars only in drive please
5) Rossmoyne, The Street - Mr and Mrs Ablett Take the weight off your feet at Rossmoyne whilst enjoying the Bradfield Gardens Event. Bradfield vistas to enjoy.The garden at Rossmoyne is only 3 years old. It is gradually transforming into a peaceful, relaxing setting. Come and see how far we have got. We look forward to welcoming you. Chips and Ices, available.
6) Teasels, The Street - Mr Clark A garden developed over twenty two years from new with paving, small pond, mixed borders, fruit and vegetables. A gate leads into a half acre meadow with trees, large pond and ditches to encourage wildlife and flowers (accompanied children only in this area please).
7) Brambles, Wix Road - Mr and Mrs Griffiths A cottage garden planted with wildlife in mind, including trees, shrubs, roses, perennials, topiary, a small pond and a tiny pond, with plenty of seats for you to relax and rest. There is a wide path along the back and side of the cottage. Access. One step up to the grass. Parking can be found in the road along the back.
8) Plas- y- Coed, Heath Road - Mr and Mrs Barrow Even after 36 years this garden is still evolving. The raised bed at the bottom of the garden has been replanted this year. The edge of the garden woody walk continues to be developed. Water, shrubs, perennials, vegetable area. Quirky garden ornaments. How many different creatures can you find? Care. Uneven grass area
Light lunches 12 to 2.30 - Plant Stall - Friends History Books
9) No. 2 Hope Cottage, Heath Road - Mr Ford Renovation of this garden has continued over the last two years with careful pruning and removal of shrubs creating more light. The large flower borders are newly planted. Wander round and enjoy the beautiful mature trees and roses. Book stall
10) Chippins, Heath Road - Mr and Mrs Leese A NGS Yellow Book Garden. Plantaholics paradise with herbaceous geraniums, hostas and alliums. Stream and wildlife pond brimming with bog plants. Explosion of colour - abundance of tubs, hanging baskets.(Over 60 pots in the front garden!). Wide borders featuring hemerocallis and swathes of lilies. Exotics include cannas, aeoniums and agaves.The garden has surprises around every corner, with plenty of places to sit and contemplate, or just drink in the peaceful atmosphere!
Kit is an artist and there are paintings to see in the conservatory / etching studio/greenhouse.
11) Twin Poplars, Heath Road - Mrs Butler A family friendly garden with a pond, shrubs and small vegetable plot.
12) Finials, Heath Road - Mrs Bowen A mature secluded garden with a variety of shrubs and pots. Cake Stall
13) Holt Tye, Windmill Road - Mr and Mrs Reeve. This recently built bungalow has a new garden evolving from the old and contains Fish, Flowers and Fruit. Tea and Cakes available 2- 4.30 pm
14) Thornfield, Windmill Road - Mrs Grinyer The garden at Thornfield is at the Mistley end of the village but it is worth a visit. You could always come here first. Our organic cottage garden covers around a third of an acre. It is well established and comprises large herbaceous borders and roses, apple trees in meadow grass, rectangular vegetable plots interspersed with red brick paths and some fruit bushes. There is a woodland corner canopied by an ancient oak tree.It is at its best in Spring and early Summer. Access There are steps down to the house and a slope to access the lower level of the garden. You could probably get a wheelchair down the slope. Sweet Stall - Cream teas from 2 – 4.30