Garden Party matinee event

Garden experts aim to plant seeds of knowledge from their shared passion during a fund-raising question time at Sheringham Little Theatre.

Radio gardening export Alan Gray will be joined by two other green-fingered gurus for a Garden Party matinee event at the venue on Saturday March 8 (2.30).

Alan, who runs East Ruston Old Vicarage gardens near North Walsham with partner Graham Robeson, will form a panel with Sonja Gaffer, who has created an exotic garden at her Hellesdon home, and experienced horticulturalist Ian Roofe from Blofield.

BBC local radio presenter Anna Perrott will chair the discussion, which Alan expects may include seasonal inquiries such as planting seeds and pruning fruit trees and roses.

The event will raise funds to be split between the Little Theatre and gardening charity Perennial which will inherit and run East Ruston after Alan and Graham have gone.

Alan has taken part in question times for 25 years and says:  “I love the banter and humour. I do not claim to be the oracle who knows everything because you are learning all the time in gardening.”

He first got bitten by the garden bug in the unlikely setting of London through tending communal and rooftop gardens at his flats during his 20s. Now in his 70s, he enjoys the constant evolution of their 32-acre garden, which they bought as a run-down house in 1973 and now attracts 48,000 visitors each year.

This winter they have been adding a new brick and oak Pharaoh’s Gateway that opens up into a “desert” which includes towering Agave Montana succulents thriving in the mild coastal setting.

But he wants his garden and radio appearances to encourage others to “discover the joy of gardening” which he says is “great for keeping people active and good for reducing stress”.

Modern day young families with smaller gardens tend to use them as an outdoor room, with statement plants which need careful choosing.

“People are also concerned about cutting down watering due to metered billing and more awareness of sustainability, so they go for Mediterranean plants such as convolvulus.

“And we encourage them to have a range of plants you can enjoy all year round. Rather than shut down your garden for winter try something like Daphne bholua which has scented pink flowers in winter.

“And how about growing some veg in a raised bed. There’s nothing better than digging up, cooking and tasting your own potatoes!”

He is also happy to help with houseplant advice, as many people have trouble with their indoor pots through overwatering.

To get tips and inspiration come and chat to Alan and his friends on March 8. Tickets and information at www.sheringhamlittletheatre.com or call 01263 822347.

East Ruston Old Vicarage Gardens reopen on March 1. Times and ticket prices at www.eastonrustonoldvicarage.co.uk

Images courtesy of Richard Batson / SLT