Ragley launches a series of Garden Open Days in 2014
Ragley, the family home of the 9th Marquess and Marchioness of Hertford, is launching a series of special Garden Open Day’s throughout 2014. Visitors can attend five different Open Days which include an opportunity to meet with the Head Gardener plus learn about specific plants throughout the seasons. In addition visitors can see how Ragley works to optimise habitats and food resources for insects, birds and small mammals. All Open Days cost just £5 per person including access to the Gardens and Café and just an additional £2 per person for a guided tour of the Ragley Hall state rooms.
The Gardens occupy 10 hectares and surround the magnificent Hall which dates back to 1680. Although the 170 hectares of parkland were designed by Lancelot ‘Capability’ Brown during the 18th century, little is known about the gardens prior to 1873. It is thought that the Capability landscape came right up to the Hall itself until garden designer and outstanding horticulturist Robert Marnock enclosed the 10 hectares as pleasure grounds, planting them with trees and shrubs around meandering path ways and creating a formal Victorian flower garden.
Ragley Gardens – Head Gardener Open Days
Ragley opens its gardens to visitors on select days throughout the year, giving them the opportunity to immerse themselves in the seasonal delights the gardens offer and meet Ross Barbour, the Head Gardener. Time: 11am – 3pm.
‘Snowdrops & Winter Garden’ - 26 & 27 February
Admire large swathes of Galanthus nivalis which frame the fabulous Winter Garden featuring over 70 varieties of snowdrops.
‘Tulips & Daffodils’ - 28 & 29 April
As the days finally begin to draw out and start to warm up ‘Tulips and Narcissus’ burst into colour to herald the coming of spring. See over 600 bulbs come to life including species, dwarf, heritage and historic types to provide stunning displays.
‘Rose Garden’ - 23 & 24 June
The new Rose Gardens show how to inter plant roses with herbaceous plants, trees and shrubs to best effect. This increase in diversity enhances the well-being of the roses and extends seasonal interest creating some dramatic planting combinations.
‘Summer Bedding & Prairie Garden’ - 24 & 25 September
As summer slowly gives way to autumn, colour and interest is still very important in the Gardens. Enjoy the displays and learn how Ragley achieves this with perennials and annuals for late season interest.
Ross Barbour, Head Gardener at Ragley said: “We are delighted to be holding a series of special Open Days throughout 2014 to showcase our beautiful gardens and enable visitors to learn more about specific plants. We always aim to have something of interest every day of the year for visitors to enjoy.”
For more information on Ragley, visit ragleyhall.com.
