Your chance to explore stunning secret garden in Sunderland for open day
“People are always surprised when they come through the gate and see just how big the garden is,” say the owners of a secret garden tucked away in a Sunderland suburb.
It’s an urban oasis passed by thousands each day on one of Sunderland’s busiest roads - and for one day only people can wander this peaceful haven.
At just under an acre, no 13 Durham Road has one of the largest private gardens in the city and the owners are opening the gates to this lush space as part of the National Garden Scheme.
Each year, homes and gardens up and down the country open up their spaces to the public to raise funds for a host of good causes.
Owner of the stunning space, Sue Winfield, is following in the footsteps of her father, Richard Heron.
He and wife Margaret moved into the Art Deco home in East Herrington in 1948 and over the years, Richard, a keen gardener, acquired land around the house, including space where a temporary St Chad’s Church once stood, along with its associated grounds.
The home is still in the family today, with Sue’s daughter, Catherine, also tending to the garden.
Before his passing, Richard was a keen supporter of the National Garden Scheme and regularly opened the gardens up in the ‘80s and ‘90s, which was covered by the Echo at the time.
Members of the public will be able to wander the gardens, and admire its roses, geraniums, Merlin’s beard, hebe, rich vegetable patch and much more, this Sunday, June 28 from 1.30pm-4.30pm.
Admission is £7, free for children. You can also purchase home-made teas, with items donated by the nearby, newly-refurbished Tesco on the Board Inn roundabout. The day will also feature a plant sale.
Sue took part in the fundraising scheme last year and says people are always surprised at how large and colourful the space is.
“Gardening has always been part of our lives and it was a privilege to show people the space last year, it’s amazing to see the joy it brings,” she said.
Daughter Catherine, the third generation to tend to the garden, said: “I’ve had soil in my hands since I was a baby thanks to my grandfather.
“The garden has changed quite a lot over the years, but that’s what a garden should be: it evolves and changes.”
All money raised will go to charities supported by the National Open Garden Scheme, including Carers Trust, Hospice UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Parkinson’s UK and Queen’s Institute of Community Nursing.
Last year alone, the project raised more than £3m to support nursing and health charities.
*13 Durham Road garden open day, Sunday, June 28, 1.30pm to 4.30pm. Admission is £7. Children free. Dogs welcome. Considerate parking in side streets or use the carpark in St Chad’s Church over the road who have given permission.