DISCOVER THE GARDENS OF NORTH EAST ENGLAND THIS SUMMER

Monday, 6th August 2007

This summer will see a hive of activity at North East England's secret and not-so secret gardens.

Whether you choose to wander around a historic garden often creating a glorious backdrop to a stunning country house, or take in the smells and sounds of contemporary grounds, North East England has it all.

Crook Hall and Gardens, in Durham City, is once again hosting its innovative Art in the Garden exhibition.
In its eighth year the exhibition highlights the work of some of the most exciting artists in the region.
Eleven artists are taking part this year showing more than thirty works around the beautiful gardens which include a maze, the secret walled garden, silver and white garden, Shakespeare garden, cathedral view garden and orchard.

This year's performance artist will be running regular bubble-blowing sessions beside the moat pool, which takes place every Sunday until the end of August.

Chesters Walled Garden is a fantastic venue for a spot of wildlife watching and to help keep track of all the wildlife happenings Susie White, who took over the running of the gardens 21 years ago, is writing a regular blog of interesting events.

The two acre garden is full of 'secret' corners, a jungly grass garden, colourful flower borders and lawns with specimen trees including the beautiful Tibetan cherry with shiny red bark that everyone cannot resist touching.
For birdwatchers there are 68 different species of birds, possible sightings of red squirrels in the surrounding woods and two ponds to attract frogs, toads and newts. Our resident tame pheasant has just hatched her second brood and there are eleven chicks sheltering under her wings or running in and out of the borders.
To find out more log on to www.thewalledgardenblog.blogspot.com or accessed via www.chesterswalledgarden.co.uk.

The Alnwick Garden, one of the most exciting contemporary gardens to be developed in the last century was the vision of The Duchess of Northumberland. There is an extensive summer programme including a chance to try juggling, plate spinning and Diablo at Matt Barnard's Circus Skills workshop. There is also the chance for visitors to help artists Emma Halliday paint large-scale panels based on themes from The Garden.

Belsay Hall in Northumberland has something for everyone from a fine medieval castle to a 17th century mansion and on August 18-19 it will be the setting for the annual Northumberland Fuchsia Society. Celebrating its 25th anniversary this year the show regularly attracts several thousand people to the event.

The 18th century landscaped gardens at Gibside, Tyne and Wear, are set to play host to one of the greatest classic detective tales of all time as outdoor theatre company Illyria return with their rendition of The Hound of the Baskervilles at Gibside on Saturday 11 August. Visitors can bring their picnic rugs and settle on the lawn for an evening of great entertainment.

Food and craft lovers can also head to Nature's World in Middlesbrough, Tees Valley for their monthly Farmers' Market and Craft Market. Held on the last Sunday of every month these popular events promote the finest in local produce and craft from the region. Nature's World is an incredible series of gardens and exhibits which demonstrate all you need to know about working in tune with nature.

For more information on these or any other events in North East England go to www.visitnortheastengland.com