VOLUNTEER GARDENING
AT KENTWELL HALL
AT KENTWELL HALL
THE GARDEN
Kentwell Hall in Long Melford is an incredible place -
privately owned, it has wonderful (sometimes quirky), extensive organic gardens.
The walled garden has beautiful old espaliered apple and pear trees,
a potager for the veggies, an amazing herb garden, greenhouse with propagation always on the go,
long beds, polytunnel, raspberry, fruit bushes and more.
Outside the walled garden are the shrubbery, meadows, sunken garden, Lime Tree Avenue,
the house courtyard, the moat, cedar lawn, amazing topiary including the famous Pied Piper Hedge...
and other alluring spaces.
Judith and Patrick Philips rescued the garden and house from neglect in the early 1970's,
and their unique gardening style makes for a truly special place.
Here is more information on the history of the Hall and gardens..
Judith is Head Gardener and she clearly loves her garden.
She is very hands on and always has a welcoming smile.
privately owned, it has wonderful (sometimes quirky), extensive organic gardens.
The walled garden has beautiful old espaliered apple and pear trees,
a potager for the veggies, an amazing herb garden, greenhouse with propagation always on the go,
long beds, polytunnel, raspberry, fruit bushes and more.
Outside the walled garden are the shrubbery, meadows, sunken garden, Lime Tree Avenue,
the house courtyard, the moat, cedar lawn, amazing topiary including the famous Pied Piper Hedge...
and other alluring spaces.
Judith and Patrick Philips rescued the garden and house from neglect in the early 1970's,
and their unique gardening style makes for a truly special place.
Here is more information on the history of the Hall and gardens..
Judith is Head Gardener and she clearly loves her garden.
She is very hands on and always has a welcoming smile.
VOLUNTEERING
Whether you have gardening experience or not, you will be welcome to come along and join the 'Gang of Elves'.
There are all sorts of jobs, from easy-going to quite a work-out...
we NEVER get bored!
Each season offers it's own unique beauty and 'must-do' tasks,
and, of course, there's always the odd surprise or a new project.
We dig holes, make and sift compost, plant things, un-plant things, prune, weed,
rake, dead-head, propagate...
but most of all - we have fun.
There is always laughter (and sometimes cake!) on volunteer days.
Volunteers range in age from 15 to 80, so there's something for everyone.
Volunteering at Kentwell is far more than gardening.
There are many reported benefits of gardening for mental, physical and social health,
and we can testify to all of this!
It's a place to totally forget about the stresses of life, get fresh air, get fitter,
learn about gardening and other aspects of life in general.
If you want to be on your own for peace and quiet and your own head-space,
or be with a small team to chat and socialise, or a bit of both, it's all there for you.
If a certain job is not for you, there will be something else more suited -
just let us know!
Without our garden elves, the gardens would not look as incredible as they do.
As a thanks for your amazing work,
you are welcome to visit Kentwell whenever it's open and come along to many of the events free of charge.
In harvest time you'll also go home with plenty of apples, plants and friendships!
There are all sorts of jobs, from easy-going to quite a work-out...
we NEVER get bored!
Each season offers it's own unique beauty and 'must-do' tasks,
and, of course, there's always the odd surprise or a new project.
We dig holes, make and sift compost, plant things, un-plant things, prune, weed,
rake, dead-head, propagate...
but most of all - we have fun.
There is always laughter (and sometimes cake!) on volunteer days.
Volunteers range in age from 15 to 80, so there's something for everyone.
Volunteering at Kentwell is far more than gardening.
There are many reported benefits of gardening for mental, physical and social health,
and we can testify to all of this!
It's a place to totally forget about the stresses of life, get fresh air, get fitter,
learn about gardening and other aspects of life in general.
If you want to be on your own for peace and quiet and your own head-space,
or be with a small team to chat and socialise, or a bit of both, it's all there for you.
If a certain job is not for you, there will be something else more suited -
just let us know!
Without our garden elves, the gardens would not look as incredible as they do.
As a thanks for your amazing work,
you are welcome to visit Kentwell whenever it's open and come along to many of the events free of charge.
In harvest time you'll also go home with plenty of apples, plants and friendships!
VOLUNTEER DAYS
Volunteer Days are
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8am-3pm
You can come along when suits you -
some volunteers come on specific days and times, others, as and when they can,
even just for 2 hours here and there.
Once you 'know the ropes' you can come on other days BY ARRANGEMENT.
Please bring your own refreshments, garden gloves and hand sanitiser.
Also, if you have the following:
Secateurs, hand tools, kneeling pad, and a bucket to keep all your belongings in are recommended.
We have the bigger tools!
What if it rains?
Well, we will be there no matter what the weather - so bring appropriate all weather gear!
The polytunnel and shed are the driest areas, so there are always inside rainy day jobs.
Or stay snuggled up in bed, but trust us, even getting a few hours of wet fresh air does wonders for the soul!
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8am-3pm
You can come along when suits you -
some volunteers come on specific days and times, others, as and when they can,
even just for 2 hours here and there.
Once you 'know the ropes' you can come on other days BY ARRANGEMENT.
Please bring your own refreshments, garden gloves and hand sanitiser.
Also, if you have the following:
Secateurs, hand tools, kneeling pad, and a bucket to keep all your belongings in are recommended.
We have the bigger tools!
What if it rains?
Well, we will be there no matter what the weather - so bring appropriate all weather gear!
The polytunnel and shed are the driest areas, so there are always inside rainy day jobs.
Or stay snuggled up in bed, but trust us, even getting a few hours of wet fresh air does wonders for the soul!
GET IN TOUCH
If you are interested in coming along, get in touch with Brenda
email: garden@kentwell.co.uk
Tel / Message / Wats-app: 07791 385240
Facebook: Kentwell Garden Volunteers
It's helpful to know when you will be there, but if you decide on the morning you want to come on up, that's fine too.
Park at the top of Kentwell drive on the left (near the dustbins).
Walk on up to the greenhouse, or when you arrive and have no idea where to go,
call Brenda on the number above.
We have a Kentwell Elves wats-app group (only admin can post) to keep everyone up-to-date.
Don't worry if you don't have wats-app, there are many other ways of communicating.
We look forward to welcoming you!
email: garden@kentwell.co.uk
Tel / Message / Wats-app: 07791 385240
Facebook: Kentwell Garden Volunteers
It's helpful to know when you will be there, but if you decide on the morning you want to come on up, that's fine too.
Park at the top of Kentwell drive on the left (near the dustbins).
Walk on up to the greenhouse, or when you arrive and have no idea where to go,
call Brenda on the number above.
We have a Kentwell Elves wats-app group (only admin can post) to keep everyone up-to-date.
Don't worry if you don't have wats-app, there are many other ways of communicating.
We look forward to welcoming you!
'I have the privilege of helping out in the gardens of Kentwell, and I can’t quite believe it!
Every time I approach the house my insides are full of happiness and my face full of smiles.
I know nothing about gardening... correction... I knew nothing. I have been given the opportunity to work in the parklands and gardens of my favourite place, and this is where my life and outlook has changed for the better.'
Alex Hurt
Every time I approach the house my insides are full of happiness and my face full of smiles.
I know nothing about gardening... correction... I knew nothing. I have been given the opportunity to work in the parklands and gardens of my favourite place, and this is where my life and outlook has changed for the better.'
Alex Hurt