Patchwork in Berkhamsted announces special opening

For the past 20 years, 'Patchwork' in Berkhamsted has opened twice a year for the National Garden Scheme, but was unable to open in May due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Jean and Peter Block, of Berkhamsted, have spent 51 years developing the garden at 'Patchwork' into what it is today.

It is a traditional garden with a bit of everything, there is colour and scent throughout the year.

With the easing of restrictions, The National Trust, English Heritage, The Royal Horticultural Society and KEW have all started a phased reopening, with pre-paid timed entry tickets bought online, and the number of admissions, dependent upon the nature and layout of each property, and subject to any Government limits on size of gatherings.

Since July, the National Garden Scheme has followed a similar plan, and a limited number of gardens have opened to the public in aid of the NGS and the medical and health charities that it supports.

'Patchwork', in Hall Park Gate, will be in the next phase, opening for four sessions of 75 minutes each on both Saturday, August 22, and Sunday, August 23.

The sessions will run from 11am to 12.15pm, 12.30pm to 1.45pm, 2pm to 3.15pm, and 3.30pm to 4.45pm, which allows 15 minutes between sessions.

Jean said: "Our garden is at its most colourful in April/May and August/September, which is emphasised by the slope.

"It covers 1/4 acre and is small enough for visitors to relate to, but large enough to easily accommodate 50 guests.

"Now we're into August, our fuchsias are showing well, a large number of dahlias are all in bloom, and our patio tubs are awash with colour."

Peter added: "The ground here has a thin layer of soil over flints, with chalk in some places but mostly well down.

"That and the terrain provides a challenge, especially as we are approaching 90, but we will keep going for as long as we can.

"Jean is the plantswoman with a good sense of colour; at the moment I'm the fitter and nimbler and get to do the heavier labour intensive tasks."

Over the past 20 years, Jean and Peter have welcomed over 7,000 visitors to Patchwork.

Peter said: "We really do hope we'll get a good number of visitors next weekend. Like many charities, the National Garden Scheme has been severely affected by the restrictions arising from corona virus.

"In 2019, the NGS donated £3 million to medical and health charities; the main beneficiaries were Macmillan Cancer Support £500.000, Marie Curie £500,000, Hospice UK £500,000, and Carers Trust £400,000.

"Sadly, this year, our support will be just a fraction of previous years.

"Looking to the future, our opening dates for 2021 are Sunday, May 2, and Sunday, August 22."

A maximum of 30 tickets for each session will be on sale at www.ngs.org.uk.

Self service hot drinks will be available for £1 and there will be biscuits for 50p, payment will be by cash in a bucket. Children are free, and dogs on leads are welcome.