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08
May

Some of the most beautiful private gardens in the Harrogate district will take part in annual Open Gardens events this summer. Visitors can explore stunning gardens, enjoy tea and cake and raise money for good causes. Below is a list of local events. Some are still being finalised — email details to contact@thestrayferret.co.uk and we will add them.
Little Ouseburn Open Gardens 10am to 5pm
Three weeks before Great Ouseburn Open Gardens, numerous gardens in Little Ouseburn will open to visitors. The grade one listed Holy Trinity Church, which features the Thompson family mausoleum, will be open, homemade lunches and teas will be available and there will also be a plant sale. You can buy tickets on the day at the Moat Hall car park and Little Ouseburn Village Hall. Proceeds go to Little Ouseburn Village Hall Trust and St Trinity Church.
Admission
£7 adults, accompanied under-16s free
Prospect House, Burton Leonard 12.30pm to 4.30pm
The one-acre walled garden, which usually opens by arrangement only, will display its mixed herbaceous borders and ornamental pond. You can see colour-themed borders, a woodland area and mature hedging.
Admission
£5 adults, children free
Great Ouseburn Open Gardens 11am to 5pm
This is one of the most popular Open Gardens events in the district, featuring about 15 gardens and other attractions including a choir, a Pimm's garden with live music, a classic car display and an art exhibition. The village hall café will be open for refreshments.
Admission
£7.50 adults, accompanied under-16s free

An open garden from a previous year's event in Knaresborough
Marton-cum-Grafton Open Gardens 1pm to 5pm
The day features three gardens in two neighbouring villages within walking distance of each other. In Marton, visitors can explore Paddock House in Marton, which offers extensive views and a sloping lawn to a wildlife pond, as well as Orchard House, a contemporary village garden with views across an alpaca paddock and wildflower meadow. Well House in Grafton is a traditional English cottage garden with herbaceous borders, climbing roses and ornamental shrubs.
Admission
£7.50 adults, children free
Nun Monkton Open Gardens 11am to 4pm
Visitors can enjoy the magnificent gardens of Benedictine Nun Monkton Priory, which will be serving tea and cake, as well as many more gardens. They can also visit St Mary’s Church, home to what many believe to be the best stained glass window in North Yorkshire, which was designed by Edward Burne-Jones and produced by William Morris’ firm. The day also includes a plant sale. Proceeds go to the upkeep of St Mary’s.
Admission
£7 adults, accompanied under-16s free

Mickley Open Gardens 11am to 4pm
The lower dales village of Mickley, near Ripon, will display gardens laid out in a range of planting styles from cottage borders and rose beds to architectural landscapes and wildlife havens. There will also be a plant sale, along with a barbecue and ice creams. Teas, coffee, lunches, cakes and scones will be served in the village hall. It is a cash-only event due to the rural location and lack of mobile signal and wi-fi. Proceeds go to the village church and Saint Michael's Hospice.
Admission
£5 (cash-only) adults, accompanied under-16s free
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