Freezeland Farm garden shows at its blooming best

Visitors were made welcome last weekend when an open garden was held to raise funds for the local branch of RSPCA, but owner Margaret Van Draat is hoping newcomers as well as regular visitors will come next Saturday and Sunday between 2-5pm when she opens as an acclaimed NGS attraction.

She promises the garden will have plenty of blooms and beauty and will be at its best.

"I am making lots of home made cakes and getting ready. If the weather is nice then it's a lovely garden to sit in and enjoy eating them. The garden is just wonderful now, and we are prepared for more people. It was absolutely fine when we opened for the RSPCA and everyone who came enjoyed themselves '“ it was great.

"There is lots to see, and people go away making such great comments and say they feel inspired. The garden is quite special, and the honeysuckle will be blooming like mad, the clematis and foxgloves, and I have a woodland pond, an italian garden.

"It is a cottage garden with lots of suprises...and I have alpacas, goats, aviaries, a china painting demonstration in my studio, as well as the tea and cakes. I love going round the garden '“ and all the people who come also like it.

"Also, I will have help from my grand daughters Daisy and Marley, and people will be charmed by them."

Freezeland Farm, the home of Margaret and husband Bill, has gained a coveted place in the National Garden Scheme's 'Yellow Book'.

Only the best gardens in the UK are allowed entry into this prestigious journal and Margaret was thrilled to be approached by the local organiser, who had heard great things about her garden.

The National Garden Scheme was set up to showcase the very best gardens and to give people the opportunity to visit them while raising money for a variety of good causes at the same time. Last year it raised 144,000 across the country.

Freezeland Farm is situated on Freezeland Lane TN39 5JD, although parking for the event will be accessed off Ninfield Road, Sidley.

Entrance costs 3.50.