Helmsley Walled Garden continuing to shine

The beautiful walled garden at Helmsley, North Yorkshire, continues to grow and flourish and at Reckless Gardener we are always delighted to hear how Lisa, Tricia and the team are doing.

Lisa Rennison (head gardener), Tricia Harris (assistant head gardener) and garden manager June Tainsh, (who has just joined the team from Gilmerton Walled Garden, in Scotland) have been kept busy this season. Plans are afoot to update parts of the garden and Lisa has designed a Yorkshire cottage garden and a children’s alphabet garden, which they hope to start next year.

Their wonderful work in social and therapeutic horticulture continues apace helping to develop people to improve their mental and physical health through gardening. Helmsley has two horticultural therapists, Laura Eves and Heather Thomas, and they work to bring together people with disabilities, the vulnerable or those suffering with ill health, to learn practical skills and build their confidence as well as making new friends.

One area that is developing well is the range of courses, open to the public, on offer. From Botanical Illustration, Garden photography and baking courses to Tai Chi in the garden and and drawing classes, there is plenty to interest a wide range of particpants.

There is a delightful café at Helmsley Walled Garden – the Vine House Café – run by the Chapman family and providing a fantastic range of freshly prepared lunches, specials board and delicious cakes. Sam and Molly (sister and brother) run front of house while mum (Sue) cooks and dad (Nigel) works behind the scenes making it all tick. This is typical of the friendly, family atmosphere at Helmsley, which is always a joy to visit.

They are always looking for volunteers and there are lots of opportunities both in the garden, at front of house, in the glasshouses or even making apple juice! If you would like to spend some time with them you should get in touch either by calling on 01439 771427 or emailing us at info@helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk.

The garden is open every day from 10am to 5pm from March until 31st October.

For information on visiting, events and course information, please visit:
https://www.helmsleywalledgarden.org.uk

All images ©Helmsley Walled Garden