Explore local gardens at Hexhamshire Garden Trail in Tynedale

The Hexhamshire Garden Trail will take place on Sunday, June 16 from 11am-5pm at 10 gardens, from Hexham and Whitley Mill to Slaley.

Ruth Marlee, who has been involved in organising the trail, will also allow visitors into her 'informal cottage garden' at Fox Cottage, Steel in Hexham.  

The garden at Fox Cottage (Image: Ruth Marlee)

Ruth's garden features a wildlife pond, willow sculptures and an 'eclectic collection of plants and family treasures'.

"I'm also making garden obelisks for people to take on the day if they wish, or I can order bigger ones. I like making little sculptures and I'm in the process of doing a large commission which they may wish to see."

One garden features Rudbeckia Green Wizard, which has tiny flowers that gradually open in a spiral around the dark centre. Bees love it (Image: Karen Melvin)

Karen Melvin, another gardener involved in the trail, said: "I think of gardening as an art form totally in tune with nature and the seasons, always changing and always surprising, especially as you notice more and more detail through being intimate with plants and soil and tending growing things over many years."

A pink peony in Karen's front garden (Image: Karen Melvin)

"Near the house uses the old stone walls and paths and seats for a cottage atmosphere, while walking away towards the woods, the garden becomes wilder and dominated by large trees. I like the garden to have interest all year round, with bark, coloured leaves, clipped topiary, evergreens with cones, large seedheads, and even flowers in winter." 

Carol Charlton is welcoming visitors into her 20-acre garden at Whitley Mill featuring a nature pond and green meadows.

Proceeds will go towards St Helen's Church, Whitley Chapel, which Ruth said is a 'very important hub of the community'.

The WI are baking cakes and scones for the event (Image: Ruth Marlee)

"The WI are providing the most fantastic soups, scones, and cakes. There will be a welcome in the parish hall all day," she said.

"I've been going round the gardens and they're absolutely magnificent. People are trying to provide things you wouldn't get in other places - everything from willow structures to plants from their garden they've potted up. 

Tibetan poppies in Karen's garden (Image: Karen Melvin)

"Some of the gardens are known in gardening clubs for their quality, others are small country gardens and they're worth visiting for their creativity." 

She explained the event is an attempt to boost St Helen's coffers, to keep up with the maintenance of the church and keep it going for future events.

The wildflower garden at Mill House, Hexhamshire (Image: Karen Melvin)

To participate in the trail, visitors need to go to the parish hall from 10am and buy a map to see where they can go. 

Bacon sandwiches are on offer and 'Big Daddy Butties' will be available, as the event takes place on Father's Day. 

Sculptures at Mill House garden and in the pond (Image: Karen Melvin)

Ruth thanked everyone who has volunteered and contributed to the Garden Trail.

"These things only work because people offer to help. We have a raffle and have the most amazing prizes - three lots of Airbnb weekend stays, days at the races, and bottles of wine, offered from our community."

Other gardens include a three-acre wildflower meadow, woodland gardens and natural springs.