ENTERTAINMENT RALPH COUR T GARDENS
Ralph Court Gardens is now open every day throughout the year apart from 2-3 weeks in January when they carry our essential maintenance work and complete new projects.
As well as Stephen and Paula, they employ two other gardeners to help keep the garden looking at its best and to build the new gardens. There is also a productive vegetable garden which while not open to the public, does provide much of the produce used in the restaurant and tea rooms which are also on site. There’s plenty to do in the dormant months too as they grow all of their bedding plants and bulbs ready to plant out as required.
Unlike many other gardens, its quirky and fun nature means it attracts lots of younger visitors as well as more mature gardening fans. A pirate themed garden is always popular with the children as are the talking tree and the model which squirts water as they pass by.
“We get inspiration for the gardens from all sorts of places.
“I always fancied the idea of an Italian garden, like Portmerion, and on my travels I have found all sorts of pieces of sculpture so that works really well.”
There’s also a Monet garden, a Japanese garden and one which really appeals to both adults and youngsters alike is the Alice in Wonderland garden. There’s even an Alice in Wonderland themed afternoon tea served in tearooms offering plenty of tasty surprises.
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Sculpture and water features can be seen throughout the gardens and each of the 12 separate areas offers seating so visitors can relax and observe what they all have to offer. No maps are handed out instead Stephen prefers to let visitors find their own way around the gardens, hopefully seeing new things whichever way they approach them.
A visit would typically last around two hours but many stay longer, enjoying revisiting their favourite areas.
“The gardens have different appeal throughout the year and are always changing with the seasons so there should always be something to attract the eye.
“We try to introduce something different every couple of years too so regular visitors can enjoy something new.”
The gardens are also the venue for seasonal events. Later this month there will be a production of Little Red Riding Hood and the Three Funky Pigs, a perfect family afternoon of entertainment. Other theatre offerings are aimed more towards adults.
In October for Halloween and at Christmas the garden and house really come alive with lots of ghoulish delights, seasonal features and light displays cast onto the façade of the house.
For opening times, details on future events and tickets, visit
www.ralphcourtgardens.co.uk
LIVE24-SEVEN.COM
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