Ely Open Gardens

About Ely Open Gardens

A delightful and varied group of gardens in an historic Cathedral city. Working in areas that have seen occupation for, in some cases, over 450 years, the gardeners have encountered a variety of challenges, from medieval walls to what was once a stable yard! Walking round the gardens gives you a chance to see how people have worked with the environment that they have inherited, and given it their own personal interpretation of what they have. The Bishop’s house is a monastic building adjoining Ely Cathedral and has mixed planting, including a formal rose garden, surrounded by wisteria and more. Wander through the orchard, and see views of the Cathedral only possible from here. 12 Chapel Street, a small town garden, reflects the owners’ variety of gardening interests, from alpines to herbaceous and exotic plants. There are also subtropical plants , such as bananas and a collection of succulents. Divided into informal areas, the beds and borders and all linked by a railway that meanders round the garden. 5b Downham Road shows how to rise to the challenge of a small interestingly shaped area. Providing a quiet space was important to the owner, the challenge was a high wall on one side, and the wish not to make things appear claustrophobic. Planting creates a tranquil area, with pots, colour and a small greenhouse.
1, Merlin Drive, has a small collection of ferns, reflecting the owners specialist knowledge of the these. There is also a collection of plants from the Canary islands, some of which survive winter here with a little help, as well as aeoniums. All displayed in an enclosed garden, there is an intimate, quiet atmosphere. 1 Robins Close is on the same estate, and shows what can be done in a modern estate garden. With areas to sit, a greenhouse, a summer house, raised flower beds, dry bed and bordered lawns at the front of the house, there’s much to see. 42 Cambridge Road is a long garden with many features, from fig trees at one end to a town vegetable lot at the other. There are many features to enjoy here, ranging from quiet areas to sit, and a woodland walk, it’s well worth a visit.
.