Oatmill Cottage – open garden

The National Gardens Scheme – Yorkshire Gardens 2014

Standing at the top of the garden at Oatmill Cottage you can take in the wonderful view of Crunkley Gill

On Friday evening I drove out over the moors to Oatmill Cottage in Lealholm – the roads are narrow, steep in places, and winding so it is an unhurried and steady journey.  I was surprised by how much colour there was in the heather for this time of year and stopped to look at it and the cotton-grass.  I saw scampering Lapwing young, and groups of Grouse chicks clucked into line, heard the soaring Curlew and chattering Meadow Pippits, all of which further slowed my meandering progress.

Containers are planted with beautiful colour and texture in clever plant combinations

Oatmill Cottage is tucked into the rising hillside of Lealholm village.  I’m visiting to see the garden as I’ve been invited to be there on Sunday, July 13th, 2014 when it is open as part of The National Gardens Scheme – Yorkshire Gardens 2014 and where I will display some of my stone sculpture and garden ornaments.

A tall hedge at the bottom of the garden has openings, making windows to frame the view beyond

Stone planter filled with sempervivums in a deep purple and violet colour

I’m joined on the open day by Richard Pottas, water colourist and Lynn Glazzard,  jewellery maker – all of us showing work inspired by the garden.  We are generously allocated the most beautiful summerhouse at the top of the garden, and areas within the garden itself to place work.

A fragrant pinky rose clambers up and around an old apple tree

This is such a lovely opportunity for me as I can show my sculpture in a glorious garden setting, where it can be seen amongst planting, next to foliage, petals and colour and with a backdrop of topiary, terraces and fragrant climbing roses.

In the lower part of the garden, through strong architectural iron gates, hens enjoy the evening sunshine and I admire the bog garden through the railings

Amateur Gardening magazine featured the garden in February this year ‘Me and my terraced garden’ – Sue Morgan has ensured that her terraced garden on the North York Moors can tolerate whatever the weather throws at it – I would add that she has done this very beautifully!

Soft, fragrant planting runs in drifts towards the greenhouse and vegetable garden

Oatmill Cottage, Lealholm, Nr Whitby YO21 2AG

Open as part of the National Gardens Scheme

Sunday 13th July, 2014   11 am – 4.30 pm

Admission £3, children free – home made teas – plant sales in the village nursery adjacent to the garden.