A team of volunteers welcomed over 300 visitors to the Manor House Gardens on Sunday 23 June for a charity open afternoon in aid of the National Gardens Scheme.

The Lyde Garden has reopened, following major repairs and refurbishments

This private garden will be open daily from 9am – 5pm at the owners’ discretion.

Please note that the gate will be locked at 5pm daily

The owners of the Lyde Garden (a registered charity) have decided to carry out works to enhance and protect it for the benefit of the many villagers and others that come to enjoy its peace, tranquillity and beauty.

There are two issues that need to be addressed.

The tree canopy resulting from the original planting of the garden in the 1980s has closed over and the lack of sunlight has become detrimental to the plants growing around the ponds and up the banks. This canopy now needs to be reduced and a new planting scheme implemented.

Regrettably the garden has also become a regular location for anti-social activity (including the use of alcohol and drugs) after dark, and there have been recent instances of vandalism, litter and disturbance to neighbours.  We are seeking support from Wycombe District Council for the addition of railings to supplement the existing roadside wall, along with an attractive and lockable wrought iron gate so that the garden opening times are clear and nocturnal visitors can be excluded.

The owners recognise that the Lyde Garden is a much-loved village amenity and remain dedicated to maintaining and improving it for those who appreciate and respect it.

Unfortunately it will be necessary to temporarily close the garden for a number of months over winter in order to carry out these works

To commemorate 50 years of opening the Manor House Gardens for the National Gardens Scheme, in August 2017 Lord Carrington was presented with a sundial. He was delighted to learn that the gardens have raised a total of £123,683.82 for the charity over the 50 years.

Over 300 visitors enjoyed warm weather and were tempted by tea and cakes on the second of our 2014 National Gardens Scheme open days at the Manor House, Bledlow. The NGS donate the funds raised to a selection  of charities including Marie Curie, Macmillan Cancer Suport, Parkinsons UK and Help the Hospices.