Sunday 24th November - Due to high winds this morning and fallen branches around the gardens, we will be opening at the later time of 11am today. Illuminate will take place as planned tonight.
Due to the weather some routes leading to Hestercombe are closed due to fallen trees, please check your route here before travelling as visitors may need to take alternative routes to the venue.
Schoolchildren from Cheddon Fitzpaine Church School got their hands dirty by helping to replant an avenue of trees along Hestercombe’s former Portman Driveway.
The 60 crab apple trees, of the Malus hupehensis variety, flower with a mass of pink and white blossom in the spring, and now line the drive beyond Cheddon Fitzpaine Village Hall in woodland area of Hestercombe known as Sandilands.
A special tree-planting ceremony was held and supporters of Hestercombe, who have sponsored the trees, were invited along to come and be part of the event. Some of the trees have been dedicated to loved ones, or serve as a memorial to family.
In addition to the planting ceremony, a special book of remembrance will be produced and retained at the historic House and Gardens with citations from sponsors.
Michael and Ron Phillips (right), who sponsored their tree in loving memory of Elizabeth Phillips (1936-2014)
The fundraising scheme hopes to raise £15,000 for our 20th Anniversary Appeal.
Head gardener Claire Reid, said: “We hope this will be a beautiful and remarkable addition that lasts for decades, even centuries to come. “The crab apple tree flowers with a mass of blossom, so it will be a wonderful and distinct tree-lined avenue.”
Crab apple trees are still available to sponsor.
If you would like to be part of Hestercombe’s history and sponsor a tree, please contactinfo@hestercombe.com or call 01823 413923.
