VOLUNTEER GARDENING
AT KENTWELL HALL
AT KENTWELL HALL
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.
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.
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..
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..
VOLUNTEERING
The volunteer programme was started by Brenda after lockdown in May 2020.
Whether you have gardening experience or not, you will be welcome to come along and join the 'Gang of Elves'.
Volunteers range in age from 18 to 80, so there's something for everyone.
There is always laughter on volunteer days.
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.
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 with family and friends
whenever it's open and come along to many of the events free of charge.
In harvest time you'll also go home with a variety of seasonal tastes, plants and friendships!
Whether you have gardening experience or not, you will be welcome to come along and join the 'Gang of Elves'.
Volunteers range in age from 18 to 80, so there's something for everyone.
There is always laughter on volunteer days.
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.
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 with family and friends
whenever it's open and come along to many of the events free of charge.
In harvest time you'll also go home with a variety of seasonal tastes, plants and friendships!
VOLUNTEER DAYS
Volunteer Days are
Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays 8am-1pm
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.
Please bring your own refreshments, garden gloves and secateurs.
Also, if you have the following:
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 a few 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-1pm
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.
Please bring your own refreshments, garden gloves and secateurs.
Also, if you have the following:
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 a few 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: [email protected]
Tel / Message / Wats-app: 07791 38524
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 right (under the trees).
Walk on up to the greenhouse where the 'Elf Moot' is.
(From the car park, walk up towards the house, over the moat, turn immediately right to the cedar lawn.
Follow the path to the left, all the way around the back of the house.
Go through a really beautiful doorway, cross the moat again and turn right up the path.
You'll keep straight past the 'fish pond', through another beautiful doorway, and there's the greenhouse)
If you find yourself a bit lost,
call Brenda on the number above.
We have a Kentwell Elves wats-app group (only admin can post), to keep you updated on happenings.
We look forward to welcoming you!
email: [email protected]
Tel / Message / Wats-app: 07791 38524
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 right (under the trees).
Walk on up to the greenhouse where the 'Elf Moot' is.
(From the car park, walk up towards the house, over the moat, turn immediately right to the cedar lawn.
Follow the path to the left, all the way around the back of the house.
Go through a really beautiful doorway, cross the moat again and turn right up the path.
You'll keep straight past the 'fish pond', through another beautiful doorway, and there's the greenhouse)
If you find yourself a bit lost,
call Brenda on the number above.
We have a Kentwell Elves wats-app group (only admin can post), to keep you updated on happenings.
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
