Open Days
For the last 10 years I have held a National Collection Open Day in May. This is when the Euphorbias are at their peak. Over £4000 has been raised for charity over this period, most of it being donated to Plant Heritage (NCCPG) but other charities supported have included Sheffield Children's Hospital and Bluebell Hospice. In 2010 I shall be opening the garden (both Firvale Allotment and my own garden at 26 Casson Drive S26 7WA) for the National Garden Scheme and will therefore be supporting all of their charities.
Our first ever opening for the National Gardens Scheme on 9th May this year resulted in 210 people visiting on a bright but cool spring day. The total for the day, plus garden groups who booked visits on other days resulted in a cheque for £700 being sent to the NGS, a record amount. Thanks to all the people who visited and everyone who helped out on the day.
The next Open Day will be on Sunday 8th May 2011 from 1:00-4:00. The collection is normally at its peak flowering time then, with over 100 varieties of Euphorbia in full flower and many other spring perennials giving colour and interest. At Firvale, as well as seeing plants growing in the garden, there is a photographic and information display and a propagation area where young plants can be observed growing. Hot and cold refreshments, toilet and plant sales (for NCCPG) will be at 26 Casson Drive. This is a small garden containing mixed herbaceous borders, a shade garden and a seaside garden. The 2 gardens are less than 1 mile apart. Admission for both gardens will be £2.
Firvale Allotments are at the southern end of the village. It is adjacent to 64 Winney Hill, Harthill. For those with a sat-nav the post code is S26 7YN.
There are normally between 100 and 200 visitors on an Open Day. There is plenty of roadside parking at Firvale Allotments but 26 Cason Drive is on a small estate so please park sensibly. An alternative would be to walk between the two gardens, a very pleasant amble which will take you all the way through Harthill, an Anglo Saxon village with the main street being a conservation area.
For further details, or if you would like to book a private garden visit please go to Contact Information.
Garden visitors on Open Days at Firvale Allotments
The first ever Open Day in 1998 - the Collection is quite young
Open Day May 2009
July 2009 - summer flowering species still add that zingy vibrancy
Visitors Book Quotes.
'Euphorbia heaven!!!' K. Y. - (Kawasaki, Japan)
'After your fantastic talk, had to come and see your collection for ourselves. Wonderful.' R. and N. P. - (Fareham, Hampshire)
'The most lovely Euphorbias in the world! Thank you so much for letting us film them.' S. S. - (BBC TV London)
'What a brilliant garden visit.' M. C. - (Upton, Oxon)
'An amazing collection - it's given me inspiration. Will definitely try to grow them in South Africa.' S. and M. S. - (Gauteng, South Africa)
'Well worth the long journey' M. and H. J. - (Crosmont, Monmouthshire)
'A prime example of a National Collection. Just as it should be. Congratulations.' G. S. - (Nottingham)
'A lovely garden - and you're a great lecturer too! W. Garden Club - (Scunthorpe)