THE unique and newly restored gardens of a North Yorkshire stately home will be reopened to the public next weekend by a pioneer in the world of horticulture.
Elizabeth Balmforth is the first female curator of the Royal Horticultural Society’s Harlow Carr gardens, and at 34, is also the youngest in the history of the society.
She will open the gardens at Goldsborough Hall, near Knaresborough, which is revealing its 11-acre gardens to the public for the first time in 80 years.
Elizabeth said: “I think that opening these gardens to the public will be a wonderful occasion, especially for children, as we at the RHS want to encourage people to become passionate about nature and gardening from a young age.
“For me, it’s about appreciating open spaces, to have that feeling of being surrounded by nature and possibly being overwhelmed by it.”
The last time the gardens were open to the public was in 1930, when the hall was the home of Princess Mary, daughter of George V.
The gardens have been lovingly restored by owners Clare and Mark Oglesby, who said the gardens are at their best during the summer.
The gardens open between 12pm and 5pm on Sunday, July 25, and afternoon tea and light lunches will be served in the hall.
Entry costs £3.50 for adults, children go free, and all proceeds will be donated to the National Gardens Scheme.
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