Two showcase gardens open to the public

June is a wonderful month in the garden with many flowers in full bloom. Richmond and its surroundings is blessed with beautiful gardens and two of the most outstanding are opening their doors to the public on the same weekend.

Skeeby Manor in the nearby village of the same name is opening for two days on Friday 23 and Saturday 24 June between 11am and 5pm. This fantastic garden is the pride and joy of Val and Ian Hepworth and has ornamental borders, ponds, woodland areas and vegetable beds.

Admission is £5 and tea, coffee, cakes and plants will be on sale. All proceeds will go towards the Richmondshire Museum.

The address is Skeeby Manor House, 43 Richmond Road, Skeeby, DL10 5DX and parking is in Skeeby village carpark or in front of the house.

Mr Yorke's Walled Garden on Cravengate (pictured) is just a few minutes' walk from Richmond's Market Place. It is an 18th century walled garden, with stunning views of the Castle and Culloden Tower and will open on Sunday 25 June between 1pm and 5.30pm. Admission costs £6 and is free for under 16s. All proceeds will go to support Mayfest - Richmond's annual festival of historical and traditional music and dancing.

The garden was built by John Yorke, who lived in a mansion by the River Swale. The mansion was demolished in the early 19th century, and the Walled Garden became a market garden. It has been carefully restored by its existing owners and consists of  shrubs, trees, lawns, herbaceous borders, roses, ponds and a vegetable garden. 

Refreshments will be available for sale, and Trouvère will provide medieval background music. Please note that the garden is on a hill, and while the main grass paths are accessible with a wheelchair, they are quite steep.