Kathy Brown’s beautiful gardens at the Manor House in Stevington have reopened to the public, just in time for Father’s Day.
Kathy and her husband, Simon, are cautiously welcoming visitors every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday using an online payment system and restricting numbers to enable social distancing.
They have also added a special Sunday opening for Father’s Day this Sunday (21 June).
“We have been open for just over a week and people seem so delighted to be able to come out to enjoy the garden,” said Kathy.
“Mothers have met up with daughters for the first time in months, some people have come out to celebrate an anniversary, others a birthday, others happy to come just because they could. Our visitors have been so appreciative.”
Kathy began creating the Manor House Gardens in Stevington almost 30 years ago and last year celebrated being voted regional winners for the East of England in the Nation’s Favourite Garden competition run by the English Garden Magazine and the National Garden Scheme.
Traditionally, the gardens are open to the public from April until September, but due to coronavirus guidelines, the reopening had to be delayed.
“We have put in place a flow system around the garden so that people don’t get in each others way,” explained Kathy.
“We have also limited the numbers, although I have to say 40 people in a four acre garden just disappear and crowding is not an issue.
“If anyone would like to book please go to my website www.kathybrownsgarden.com and choose a time and date, then we quickly confirm that there are spaces so that they can then go on to pay for their tickets.”
Refreshments in the form of Maynard ice creams and sorbets will be available and although there is limited under cover seating, there are plenty of separate benches and tables scattered around the garden.
Visitors are welcome to bring their own drinks to enjoy in the garden. However, please ensure you take debris home with you.
The gardens are open every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday in June (plus Father’s Day) with timed slots at either 1pm or 3pm . Due to social distancing guidelines and therefore restricted numbers, they regret that they are unable to offer places to children although babes in arms or seated in buggies are welcome. Also, dogs are not allowed in.
