“A CASKET OF JEWELS” STANTON-IN-PEAK WILDLIFE GARDEN OPENS FOR CHARITY17 AND 18 MAY, 12.30-4.30PM

Steve’s partner Jeanette enjoying Spring in the Stanton garden

Spring is the perfect time to visit a beautiful wildlife garden, which has been described as “a casket of jewels”, at the top of a hill at Stanton-in-Peak in the Peak District National Park.

Under the National Garden Scheme, the garden at 2 Haddon View, Stanton-in-Peak (Postcode: DE4 2LR) will be open to raise money for nursing and caring charities on 17 and 18 May, between 12.30 and 4.30pm.

All three kinds of British newts (great crested, smooth and palmate) have been seen in the three wildlife ponds, as well as frogs and toads, in the garden.

Early flowers include drifts of marsh marigolds and dog’s tooth violets. There are over 30 rhododendrons of many colours which bumblebees really enjoy. Twenty different species of butterflies and four species of dragon and damselflies have also been seen in the garden.

As you follow the path up the garden towards the charming summer house, you will see a palm tree in the front garden, cacti in flower in the greenhouse, waterlilies in the ponds and varied herbaceous borders. There are also many pots on the patios with dramatic agaves, aeoniums, tulips and bedding plants. A fourth pond is home to some big Koi carp.

Garden owner and former Peak District National Park Forestry Officer Steve Tompkins said,: “By opening under the National Garden Scheme, we aim to help to raise money for nursing and caring charities such as Macmillan, Marie Curie, Hospice UK and Parkinsons UK. Last year the NGS raised £3.5 million. Everything you spend on your visit will go to these charities, and we look forward to seeing you.”

Admission is £4 cash or card, and children visit free. You can also enjoy the homemade cakes, tea and coffee which will be for sale. Dogs on leads are welcome, but unfortunately, due to the steps up to different levels, the garden is not accessible for wheelchairs.