Viewing private garden at hall will help good causes

The garden at Longwitton Hall will be available to members of the public for viewing on Sunday.

For the first time, the garden at Longwitton Hall is being opened to the public under the National Gardens Scheme (NGS).

Seven miles west of Morpeth, Longwitton sits on the top of an exposed hill with long views to the north, east and south.

The garden areas of the hall, which will be available to view on Sunday from noon to 4pm, are exceptionally well sheltered and command southerly views as far as Crossfell in the Pennines.

Funds raised from the entry fee of £5 will go to NGS – a long-established initiative that supports a range of charities such as Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Carers Trust, Perennial, The Queen’s Nursing Institute and Parkinson’s UK.

Longwitton Hall owner Michael Spriggs said: “The garden, around a historic Georgian House, has been developed over decades and includes wonderful mature specimen trees, rhododendrons, azaleas and acers.

“Over the last few years, it has been enhanced by new planting of the borders, a rose garden, laburnum tunnel, yew walk and small pond.”

Teas and refreshments will be available in aid of the Hartburn Community Project and Riding for the Disabled, and there will also be a plant stall.