The tranquil grounds of Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George became a vibrant hub of activity last month as the village opened its gardens to the public in support of charity.

Hosted as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), the annual open day saw garden enthusiasts from across the region flock to the retirement community, raising nearly £800 for nursing and health charities.

The event, held on Saturday, 17 August, gave visitors a rare glimpse into the beautifully maintained, award-winning estate, spanning 45 acres of gardens and woodlands. With 155 attendees, the day was filled with activities designed to showcase the best of the estate’s flora and fauna.

Attendees were treated to guided tours led by Middleton Hall’s knowledgeable Estates team and enthusiastic residents who live in the village’s independent retirement properties. The tours highlighted some of the estate’s most cherished features, including the Japanese garden, fernery, and the thriving wetlands.

In addition to these exotic plantings, visitors could explore the estate’s allotments, two orchards, formal lawns, and the picturesque lime tree avenue that lines the sweeping driveway to the village entrance.

This open day was particularly special for the Middleton Hall team, following their recent accolade. Earlier this year, the village’s Estates team took home the Best Outdoor Space award at the National Care Home Awards – a testament to the team’s dedication to creating and maintaining an inviting and environmentally-friendly space for both residents and wildlife.

As visitors wandered through the grounds, information boards dotted throughout the estate provided fascinating insights into the team’s landscaping philosophy. One board explained that the planting around the historic reception area was carefully selected to complement the village’s rich heritage, while the wetlands and ponds were designed to encourage wildlife and support biodiversity. The estate’s chickens and ducks also captured the attention of many visitors, with the animals enjoying the same peaceful environment as the village’s residents.

No garden event would be complete without some traditional English refreshments, and Middleton Hall delivered. After touring the gardens, visitors relaxed with a cup of tea, accompanied by a selection of home-made scones and cake. The café was abuzz with chatter as guests shared their appreciation for the stunning scenery and warm atmosphere.

Bryan Moore, Estates Manager at Middleton Hall, was delighted with the turnout and the funds raised, saying:

“It was wonderful to welcome so many people to this year’s National Garden Scheme open day. We’re very proud of our estate, and it was great to have the chance to show it off to the public and to raise an impressive amount for charity.”

He added that the event wouldn’t have been possible without the help of volunteers, many of whom were residents of the independent retirement properties within the village. Moore expressed his gratitude to those who assisted in preparing the gardens and supporting the event on the day.

He hinted at even bigger plans for the future:

“The team worked incredibly hard to get the gardens ready for visitors, and we’re already planning for next year – so watch this space for our 2025 event.”

Recognition from National Garden Scheme

The success of the event didn’t go unnoticed by the National Garden Scheme either. Margaret Stamper, Assistant County Organiser for NGS, praised the effort, stating:

“This is an excellent result for a single garden, so very well done to everyone concerned, and many thanks from all of us on the NGS Co. Durham team.”

The open day not only showcased the beauty of Middleton Hall’s gardens but also underscored the community’s commitment to supporting charitable causes through horticulture. The nearly £800 raised will be donated to NGS’s beneficiaries, which include vital nursing and health charities across the UK.

With the next open day already in the works for 2025, Middleton Hall Retirement Village is proving to be more than just a place to live – it’s a place where nature, community, and charity come together.

Photos by Stuart Boulton