A garden open day retirement village near Darlington has raised funds for healthcare charities.
The event, held at Middleton Hall Retirement Village in Middleton St George, was organised as part of the National Garden Scheme and took place in early August.
The National Garden Scheme encourages gardens across the UK to open to the public in support of charitable healthcare causes.
A resident tending to an allotment (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Bryan Moore, estates manager at Middleton Hall, said: “It was a real pleasure to welcome visitors and share our estate with them in support of such an important cause.
“We’re very proud of the gardens and green spaces we’ve created, and the team worked tirelessly to make sure everything was looking its best for the day.”
Visitors explored the 45-acre grounds, including a kitchen garden, chicken coop, greenhouse, resident allotments, ceramic garden, and a Japanese garden.
Visitors enjoying the event (Image: Stuart Boulton)
The kitchen garden supplies produce to the village’s kitchen team.
Woodland walks and the art studio were also open to the public, and a resident ceramics teacher was on hand to discuss the artworks on display.
To mark the 125th anniversary of Middleton Hall, a heritage garden trail was created.
Some of the estates team (Image: Stuart Boulton)
Signs along the trail explained the landscaping philosophy and highlighted features such as the lake, pond, and wetlands, all designed to promote biodiversity.
Guided tours led by members of the estates team and independent residents proved popular.
Visitors enjoyed learning about the horticultural design and the history of Middleton Hall.
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
Guests also had the chance to relax with tea, scones, cake, and afternoon tea in the newly refurbished Orangery Bistro.
Margaret Stamper, assistant county organiser for the County Durham National Garden Scheme, said: “We would like to say a big thank you for the huge efforts that the Middleton Hall Retirement Village estates team put in, including the excellent guided tours.
“With over 140 tickets sold and plenty of cheerful volunteers, it was a wonderful day.”
(Image: Stuart Boulton)
The event offered a rare opportunity for members of the public to explore the gardens and learn more about the ongoing conservation and horticultural work at the retirement village.
Middleton Hall Retirement Village is an independent living and care community.
It is known for its extensive gardens, sustainability initiatives, and focus on resident wellbeing.
More information about Middleton Hall can be found on its website at www.middletonhallretirementvillage.co.uk.
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