Popular stately attraction, Weston Park has cultivated a new gardening experience that will bring together helpful gardening tips with a relaxing home cooked two-course lunch, which should appeal to gardeners of all abilities.

The Head Gardener’s “Handy Hints” takes place on Saturday 21st April. The ever popular event is lead by Martin Gee, Weston Park’s award wining Head Gardener who has been in the role for 25 years.

Appealing to both the novice and the keen gardener, visitors will have the opportunity to learn helpful tips about plant propagation, planting schemes, lawn maintenance and organic gardening methods.

“The ‘handy hints’ experience will begin at the work area followed by a gentle stroll around the Formal Gardens and Pleasure Grounds,” explains Martin.

“The focus of the day is for individuals to be able to receive first hand experience and understand how the techniques we use at Weston can be simply translated for home use. The grounds and gardens at Weston Park have been my passion for many years and I find it very satisfying passing on my knowledge to others,” he adds.

Weston Park stands within 1,000 acres of parkland and has seen many developments over the past 300 years with each of its former residents adding their own unique style. Commissioned works by the likes of famous landscape gardener Lancelot ‘Capability‘ Brown and architect James Paine have contributed to the magnificent Weston we see today.

With so many alterations over the years it is a full time job to maintain the grounds and preserve its historical accurately for future generations to enjoy. Kate Thomas, Weston Park’s Sales and Marketing Manager explains: “Martin is the ideal tour guide for this experience, he has not only held the Head Gardener’s role for many years he actually grew up on the grounds as his father proudly held the same position. What Martin doesn’t know about the grounds and gardens is not worth knowing, his knowledge is vast and most fascinating.”

The day will commence at 10am with a guided tour by Martin followed by an appetising two-course lunch in the Stable Bistro Restaurant. Guests can then explore the House, Park and Gardens at their leisure; however it is advised to pre-book for this event to avoid disappointment. The complete experience costs £25 per person.

Martin Gee was awarded Professional Gardener of the Year 2006 by Horticulture Week for his outstanding work in sustaining the grounds and gardens at Weston Park. As well as offering private tours and workshops, Martin also provides regular garden tours within Weston’s events calendar. His next tour will be the Bluebell Walk and lunch which will take place at the beginning of May.

For further information on the gardening experience and any future events at Weston Park, call 01952 852100 or visit www.weston-park.com

ENDS

For further information

Sue Foster
Connect PR

01902 714957
suefoster@connect-group.com

Gemma Cotterill
Weston Park

01952 852100

gemmaC@weston-park.com

www.weston-park.com

Notes to editors:

Barnardo’s is a registered charity no: 216250 and SCO37605

Weston hosts a number of events throughout the year. A summary of which is given below:

Sunday 8th - Monday 9th April - Midlands Festival of Transport
Friday 13th - Sunday 15th - April Spring Horse Trials
Saturday 21st April - Head Gardener’s ‘Handy Hints’ and lunch in the Stables
Sunday 29th April - Jazz Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stable
Saturdays throughout May - ‘Behind closed Doors’ Leaflets available in the House
Sunday 6th May - Bluebells Walks and Lunch in the Stables
Saturday 12th May - Dawn Chorus and Breakfast in the Stables
Saturday 12th May - Watercolour Painting ‘Taster’ Workshop
Saturday 19th May - ‘Parkland Landscape’ Watercolour Painting Workshop
Sunday 20th May - Jazz Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables
Sunday 27th - Monday 28th May - The Midlands Pets and People Show
Weekends throughout June and first week in July - ‘Gardening – the inside story’ leaflets available in the House
Friday 1st June - ‘Making a face’ Lecture and Lunch in the Stables
Sunday 10th June - Weston Park National Cycling Day
Saturday 16th June - Watercolour Painting Taster Workshop
Saturday 16th - Sunday 17th June - International Model Air Show
Sunday 17th June - Father’s Day Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables
Wednesday 20th June - ‘Flowers’ Watercolour Painting workshop
Sunday 24th June - Staffordshire Healthy Living Walk
Sunday 24th June - Jazz Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables
Wednesday 27th June - ‘Buildings’ Watercolour Painting Workshops
Tuesday 3rd – Wednesday 4th July - ‘Tress and Water’ two day Watercolour Painting Workshop
Wednesday 4th July - National Garden Scheme Open Day
Friday 6th July - ‘Weston and Grand Tour’ lecture and Lunch in the Stables
Saturday 7th- Sunday 8th July - Midlands Gardeners Weekend
Sunday 8th July - Cycling Fun Day – ie Tour de Weston ‘London’
Monday 9th July - ‘Travel with Tea’ leaflets available in the house (weekdays only until 27th July)
Wednesday 11th July - Evening Gardens Tour with Wine
Thursday 12th July - Watercolour Painting ‘taster’ Workshop
Saturday 14th July - ‘Buildings’ Pen and Ink Drawing Workshop
Thursday 19th July - RDA Sponsored Horse Ride
Saturday 28th - July Proms Spectacular
Sunday 29th July - Cycling Fun Day – le Tour de Weston ‘Paris’
Sunday 29th July - Jazz Sunday Roast Lunch in the Stables

Weston Park reserves the right to alter opening dates, times, details, events, artists and prices without prior notice.

Weston Park provides the following facilities:

• Unlimited free and disabled coach and car parking facilities

• Private house or gardens group tours (organised by prior arrangement)

• Comprehensive facilities for disabled visitors (ramps, wheelchair with stair climber, toilet facilities, accessible walkways, ground floor house tour and complimentary entry for carers)

• Specialist group tours, school tours, lunches or teas (organised by prior arrangement)

• Privilege Passes providing unlimited access to the House, Park & Gardens during the 2006 season and entry or discounts to certain public events

• Historic Houses Association members - free entry to the house and gardens throughout the Open Season.

• First aid room and baby changing facilities are available in the Visitors Centre

• Leaflet text is available in large print

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