A historic walled garden in Richmond will open to the public next month for a special fundraising afternoon featuring music, art, homemade cakes and plant sales.
The open afternoon at Mr Yorke’s Walled Garden will take place on Sunday, June 14, from 1pm to 5pm, raising money for Richmond MayFest.
The event will also support local charity Just the Job through a plant sale helping fund its “Big Green Build” project at Gallowfields.
Visitors will be able to explore the 18th century garden while enjoying live flute and harp music, artwork from Richmond artist Judi Allinson, and refreshments including tea and homemade cakes.
The garden, situated on Cravengate, has a long history dating back to the 1700s when it formed part of the Richmond estate of John Yorke II and his wife Anne. The wider estate once included formal gardens, stables, Culloden Tower and Temple Grounds near the banks of the River Swale.
Although the original mansion was demolished in the early 19th century, the walled garden survived and was later used as a market garden before being transformed by current owners Dennis and Marcia McLuckie.
Over the years the couple have restored the overgrown site, preserving mature trees and original pathways while creating an informal garden filled with lawns, ponds, herbaceous borders, roses, shrubs and fruit trees.
Marcia McLuckie said: “I love coming into the garden early in the morning, when the dew is on the grass and the birds are singing away. The garden feels fresh and lush and full of promise.
“Dennis and I like to share the garden whilst raising money for local charities, such as MayFest and Just the Job.”
Admission costs £6 for adults, while accompanied children under 16 can attend free of charge. Organisers have asked visitors to bring cash as there will be no card machine on site.
Parking is available at Nuns Close and Yorke Square car parks, with disc parking in Newbiggin and Richmond Market Place.
The garden’s main grass paths are wheelchair accessible, although organisers warn some areas are steep due to the hillside setting.
