Freston House owners have confirmed their annual Open Garden event will be going ahead as usual this year.

Keen gardeners Andrew and Judith Whittle will be opening the grounds of their Georgian house on Sunday, May 30, as part of the Suffolk Open Garden Scheme.

Visitors will be able to roam (using the one-way system) around the 20 acres of various gardens in parkland that is home to a one-acre kitchen garden, three colour themed gardens (white, purple and yellow, gravel garden, winter garden, and a wildlife pond, complete with beautiful water lilies and coi carp.

Mr Whittle, is famed for his expertise of Hostas, with a collection of more than 1,500 varieties, while visitors will also be able learn about bearded iris, lupins geraniums, nepeta, alstroemerias, dahlias, asters, perovskia and aconites, whilst osteospermum, penstemon and verbenas continue interest through the four seasons.

Hillside and Owls Cottage will also be open and they are included in the £5.50 admission price, although booking ahead is encouraged.

Meanwhile, an honesty box with a suggested donation of £7 will be placed near the entrance.

There is ample car parking and visitors are asked to heed directions and adhere to the Covid precautions in place, including following the one way signs.

Teas, coffees, ice creams and cakes will be on sale at Freston House. Procedures will be in place to do so safely. There will also be a plant sale at Hillside.

Proceeds from the plant sale and refreshment sales in aid of St Peters Church, Freston.

The previous event in August 2020 saw nearly 200 visitors helping to raise to raise around £1,750 for St Peters Church, Freston.

Review of the 2020 Open Garden Day here.

Freston House website here...

• Note: Hillside Cottage is also opening its garden on Sunday, May 16 but Freston House will not be open.