Events at Hill Close Gardens

Spring 2008

Saturday, May 17 - Display of Antique Garden Machinery - 11 am to 5 pm
A range of mowers, seeders, cultivars, rollers and tools of yesteryear will be on display. The invention of the lawn mower significantly influenced the layout of Hill Close Gardens as the original owners of these Victorian gardens were able to provide close cut grass on their plots.

Saturday, May 24 - Talk: Herbaceous Borders- 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Thursday, May 29 -Pirates of Hill Close for children up to 10 yrs - 2 pm to
3 pm or 3.30 pm to 4.30 pm, £1 per child, accompanying adults free
Come dressed as a pirate and make your own pirate hat, cutlass and eye patch. Then you'll have everything you need to go on the treasure hunt around the Gardens - who will find the hidden treasure??? Booking essential, please contact the Centre Manager tel: 01926 493339.

Saturday, June 7 - Talk: Summer Containers - 2.30 pm to 3.30 pm

Friday, June 13 - Head Gardener's Walk - 2.30 pm to 3-30 pm, £2
Take a stroll round the Gardens in the company of the head gardener who will show you the new Victorian glasshouse, point out the features and plants of special interest, discuss future plans and answer any questions you may have.

For other children's events and information about the children's trails more>

For a list of all the events this season more>

Weekend openings 2008
The gardens are now open until Sunday, October 26.

Groups of 10 and over can visit the gardens at any time throughout the year for guided tours. The charge is £6 a head to include entrance, a guide and tea and cake in the Centre. This is an opportunity to learn about the history and restoration of the gardens, the design and building of the sustainable Hill Close Centre. For further information contact the Centre Manager on tel 01926 493339 or email Centremanager @ hcgt.org.uk.

Autumn 2007

Sunny autumn brings number of visitors
Hundreds of visitors flocked to the gardens during October as the season drew to a close. Apple Day on October 21st was a great success with a display of unusual varieties of apples in the new glasshouse, children learning how to produce apple juice and doing apple printing and visitors sitting outside in the sunshine drinking tea. Paul Hand, apple expert, offered advice and information on apple cultivation.

 

Works of art inspired by Hill Close Gardens
Paintings by Nigel Fletcher and ceramics by Carey Moon were exhibited over half-term in the Hill Close Centre. The exhibition was extremely popular and many visitors were pleased to have the opportunity to buy some really special Christmas presents.

Successful first season after restoration
As the gardens closed for the winter at the end of October, the Trustees were pleased to report that the visitor numbers in the autumn compensated for the lower than anticipated activity during the wet summer. Sales of refreshments and plants were very successful and there are now 200 members all receiving regular newsletters and taking advantage of free entry to the gardens.