On Saturday 13th July we visited two wonderful gardens in Suffolk, both of which are also open for the NGS.

In the morning we were welcomed to Bays Farm, Earl Stonham.  This two-acre garden is composed of formal shady borders, themed beds, woodland and butterfly planting, kitchen garden, vegetable and cutting garden, greenhouse, herb garden, orchard and wild flower area (in a nutshell!).

The house is also run as a 5* bed and breakfast -www.baysfarmsuffolk.co.uk.

(Click pic for slide show)
photographs by Linda Hall

At lunchtime, for those of us who brought along our own picnics, we were invited to eat these in the beautiful garden of Mavis and Lawrence Smith, who are members of our group.

In the afternoon we visited Woodwards, Coddenham.  This is a year-round planted garden of one-and-a-half acres on a gentle slope, designed and maintained by the owners. Very well-stocked island beds, mature trees, shrubs, perennials, vegetable garden and many containers and hanging baskets.

(Click pic for slide show)
photographs by Linda Hall