On the May Day Bank Holiday weekend, you have a chance to step back into the 19th Century with a visit to the garden of a house in Croham that offers a feel for how the area around Croydon might have been 160 years ago.
The National Gardens Scheme operates open days in select private gardens throughout the spring and summer, raising money for a range of charities and good causes.
From what we can find in its listings, the only such garden opening its gates in Croydon is Elm Tree Cottage, on Croham Road, which will open to the public from 1pm to 4pm on Sunday May 4, as well as on June 15 and August 10. Entry is £3.
There are other gardens nearby, in Wallington, Warlingham and West Wickham, for instance, although we are disappointed to note that Sir Tricky Dicky Ottaway’s country pile in Bletchingley is not listed, even though so much of the gardening there was heavily subsidised by the tax-payer…
We digress. In Croham, the flint cottage, built around 1855, has a Mediterranean-style garden. “Meander up the sloping brick path to the sound of running water, lemon trees, olives, palms and other drought-tolerant plants,” the owners, Wendy Witherick and Michael Wilkinson, suggest.
“Look inside the glasshouse and you will find wonderful agaves, cacti and other succulents. Take a seat and rest awhile before you carry on your journey, wandering past lavender and rosemary and much much more. Another seat awaits you at the top where you look back down the garden for a different perspective.”
Because of the garden’s steep paths, it is unsuitable for those unsteady on their feet. No dogs or children are allowed.
More details for visitors can be found here.
Elm Tree Cottage is at 85 Croham Road, CR2 7HJ, or you can email the owners at elmtreecottage@sky.com
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Coming to Croydon
- Private Peaceful, Charles Cryer Theatre, Apr 23-26
- Alison, A Rock Opera, Spread Eagle Theatre, Apr 23-26
- Shabden Park Farm Lambing Open Day, Apr 26
- Stop The Incinerator Beer and Bingo fund-raiser, Apr 28
- Future of Crystal Palace debate, Apr 30
- Groundwork River Wandle project workshop, Apr 30
- David Lean Cinema: The Railway Man, May 1
- Groundwork River Wandle project workshop, May 1
- Hauntology – the architecture of Croydon, Apr 5-May 2
- David Lean Cinema: Wadja, May 8
- Coulsdon Euro election hustings, May 8
- David Lean Cinema: Blue Velvet, May 10
- Norwood Society Talk: West Norwood – a place of change, May 15
- David Lean Cinema: The Invisible Woman, May 15
- Coulsdon West local election hustings, May 16
- Croydon RFC charity memorial day, May 17
- Coulsdon East local election hustings, May 19 (confirmed)
- David Lean Cinema: The Rocket, May 22
- David Lean Cinema: Dallas Buyers Club, May 29
- Norwood Society Talk: The Concrete Church, June 19
- Classic Car Show at Purley Rotary Fields, June 22
- Crystal Palace Overground Festival, June 26-29
- South Norwood Allotments open day, June 28
- Norwood Society Talk: War Memorials, Sep 18
- Norwood Society Talk: From Fire Station to Theatre, Oct 16
- Norwood Society Talk: Lambeth’s Archives, Nov 20
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