A?GARDEN?in Belstone celebrates the ruby anniversary of its first opening for the National Gardens Scheme on?Sunday May 20.

Harold and Kath Hill opened the garden at Andrew's Corner on Skaigh Lane to the public for the first time in May 1972.?Since then, three generations of the Hill family have had a hand in shaping the garden, which came into the family in the late 1960s.

Walking around the garden in the early 1970s, there were heather beds, dwarf conifers, azaleas, and young maples.

Andrew's Corner is now managed by the second generation of the family — Robin and Edwina Hill, with the garden now a wildlife-friendly semi-woodland garden.

The young maples have matured into beautiful trees, and the garden has a variety of habitats, including a large pond, and an organic kitchen garden, greenhouses and chickens.

In recognition of 40 years of supporting the charity, county organisers of the NGS Edward and Miranda Allhusen presented Robin and Edwina with two trees to plant in the garden.

Mr Hill said: 'It feels good to have been opening this long, and it is such a good cause. It has also been such a family affair over the years.'

Robin and Edwina's two young grand-children, Patrick and Thomas, have already taken an interest in gardening.

Mr Hill said: 'They are starting to show an interest in gardening already, particularly Patrick. They follow me around the garden with their little wheelbarrow, asking for jobs and things to do. Maybe they will keep the gardens open for the scheme themselves one day, you never know.'

The garden is open on May 20, June 3 and June 4, and October 14, from 2.30pm to 5.30pm, with home-made cream teas and a family quiz to follow around the garden.

There will be a display showing the garden's history since the mid-1930s when the house was built. Entry costs £3.50.

If you fancy an evening stroll in the garden, Andrew's Corner will be open on August 3 and August 4 from 7pm to 10pm when, lit by more than 200 candle lanterns, the woodland setting takes on a magical appearance.

For more information, ring Robin and Edwina on 01837 840332.

RIGHT:?Edward and Miranda Allhusen, county organisers of the National Gardens Scheme, Robin and Edwina Hill with grandchildren Thomas and Patrick, and daughter-in-law Una Hill.

Picture by

Jill Pendleton