The Churchyard

The Churchyard Secret Garden 12

The Friends of St. Mary’s are intent upon conserving the exterior of a unique collection of Grade I listed, historically rare buildings and enhancing their beauty within the churchyard setting.

There is a lovely display of roses, lavender and summer blooms in the commemorative beds.

Silver Wedding Rose

Easter Garden

Bede House garden to the rear of building with beautiful Rosa Mundi

Wildlife in the churchyard ...

Much of the churchyard particularly to the north, has remained free of fertilisers, herbicides and pesticides. A recent plant survey of the churchyard established that the ground was a remnant of an ancient meadow.

In our quest to promote the management of the churchyard in a wildlife-friendly way, whilst respecting the primary purpose of the land as a place of respect and tranquillity, we are working towards a wildlife-friendly environment rich in biodiversity.

White Corncockle and thistles in the emerging wildflower area

Shady cordoned-off wild area | A blackbird singing beautifully on a gravestone

Meadow flowers

Left to right: Cornflower | Red Admiral butterfly | decaying tree stump for beetles and grubs | Bottom: Cuckoo bumblebees on thistle

The dead hedge - created from branches and twigs to provide shelter for small mammals and birds

World War One Memorial Garden

A major achievement last year was the creation of the World War One Memorial garden and the restoration of the memorial plaque.

The eighty silver granite setts in the Durham Cross represent the eighty names on the Memorial and the garden is dedicated to all from Higham Ferrers who gave service 1914─1918. The aim to create a quiet place of reflection that serves to encourage a sense of peace within the heart of the town has perhaps rarely been so fitting.

"This weekend, 4-5 July, marks the anniversary of the founding of the NHS 72 years ago and we hope that every railing along Church Walk will have a colourful contribution to mark this special occasion. There is still time to add yours."

Bringing gardens to you ...

This garden is just one of many being brought to you for free as part of our Virtual Secret Garden 2020 while you stay safe at home (normally £4 entry fee).

We are publishing one garden a day on our website and our Facebook page from Sunday 21 June.

If you have enjoyed visiting the Secret Gardens that we have brought to you this year, we would love you to donate to the NHS Charities Together appeal.

DONATE HERE

Thank you

Created By

Higham Tourism

Appreciate

Credits:

Images courtesy of Robert Barnatt, Carol Fitzgerald and Pam Webbley