Behind the Wall: A Hidden Garden Oasis on New Square

This weekend offers the chance to step behind the hornbeam hedges and rose-covered walls of the house on the corner of New Square, where a beautiful English cottage garden is open to visitors.

Wander through a series of walled courtyards to discover an abundance of fragrant old-fashioned roses in full bloom, peonies still in flower even as their short season nears its end, and delphinium spires just beginning their summer display. There’s impressive diversity in a relatively small space, with a well-tended lawn, a multitude of ponds, and lush shady areas full of ferns. The garden is a thriving ecosystem too; no doubt the ponds’ tadpoles and water snails are the reason why the hostas remain so impressively untouched.

There’s plenty of seating, offering a chance to sit and reflect—or you can head through to the gravel courtyard, where complimentary teas, coffees and homemade cakes await.

Entry is free, but donations are encouraged, with all proceeds going to Red Balloon, a charity founded by the garden’s owner, Carrie Herbert. The organisation supports children who have had to withdraw from mainstream education, often due to bullying. Carrie herself is on hand during the event, happy to chat and answer questions.

The garden is open today and tomorrow from 10 am to 5 pm.

Looking ahead, next Sunday brings another Open Garden treat: Joan’s garden in Ickleton (technically her son's, but she remains firmly the “Head Supervisor”) is opening from 11 am to 5 pm as part of Ickleton Village’s annual Open Gardens celebration. Arrive early enough and you’ll have time to admire the garden before joining our bring-and-share lunch back at Cambridge Riverside from 1 pm on Infinity Lawn.

For more details on Ickleton’s event, check the poster on the residents’ noticeboard in the Newton Court foyer.

Happy garden exploring!