Queens Orchard re-opens to the public

The Queen’s Orchard, a favourite spot in the park for many, reopened on 23 June. After being closed for 18 months, with volunteers only being allowed back earlier this year, the delights of the Orchard are welcoming visitors again:

Wednesday-Friday: 10.45am-1pm and 1.30-4.45pm,

Saturday-Sunday: 9.15am-12 noon and 1-4.45pm.

Alex Andrews from Gavin Jones and the volunteers have spent the last few months getting things ready, and along with plenty of spring rain followed by the recent warm weather, the plants are flourishing. The bed by the entrance is dotted with pink geraniums, with dahlias, hollyhocks and cosmos on their way, while the peonies are taller than the volunteers. The fruit and vegetable plots are also doing well, and it’s hoped that on Sunday 5 September the Orchard will be able to hold its annual Open Day, when visitors can make a donation and take home some of the produce.