Garden open day – The Birches 30 jul

The beautiful Garden at the Birches in Mollington on the outskirts of chester is once again open to the public this year as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS)

The Birches, Grove Road, Mollington, Chester (CH1 6LG) will be open from 10am – 5pm on July 30-31. Tickets cost £5 for adults and children under 16 are free.

The half-acre garden is the pride and joy of Martin Bentley and Colin Williams. It has a front 'Night Garden' with pale and white herbaceous borders. The rear garden is split into distinct areas – a koi and wildlife pond; two deep herbaceous borders plus an area with grasses and a tropical border, including a fernery. The birches also houses an apple orchard with hens and beehives, a vegetable garden and wildlife stream with bog plants and sunken garden. The garden is level, with lawns and pathways to most areas.

Martin Bentley said: "We are delighted to be opening our garden again for the first time since the pandemic. We welcome everyone – whether you are a gardener looking for new ideas to people who simply enjoy taking in the peace and tranquillity of the garden."

"Our teas are always a great hit with people who enjoy a traditional English afternoon tea, featuring cakes and cupcakes. Visitors will have the chance to buy homemade jams and chutneys as well as plants and our very own honey from bees that forage in the garden."

Colin Williams said: "Over the pandemic, I have taken up beekeeping and delicious honey from our bees will also be on sale.

"I am keen to encourage more beekeepers and would welcome anyone who wants information on how to start."

Proceeds from the event will be given to the Five Villages Hall in Mollington, Chester.

OPen Garden dates can be found at ngs.org.uk