CAROLYN McCutchan designed and created the amazing Bates Green Garden at Arlington over a period of many years from 1968.
The tranquil 1.5 acre-garden with its six-acre meadow, surrounds the farmhouse on the site which houses the annual Arlington Bluebell Walk and Farm Trail, enjoyed by thousands of visitors each year.
Carolyn became unwell in 2012 and many parts of the garden then became wild and neglected. Carolyn sadly died in 2019.
Her former student, Emma Reece, formed a team to revitalise the Garden, and now owner John McCutchan has received an award from the National Garden Scheme to mark 30 years of Bates Green being a member of the prestigious organisation.
John received the award from Irene Etringham Wilson and Isabella Cass from the NGS.
John was proud to accept the award on behalf of his late wife.
He told the gathering at the presentation: “We have always believed that you garden to share it with others, and this is what Carolyn always told people.
“After she became ill, the garden went downhill and indeed it would have been a forgotten garden without Emma Reece, who now leads our wonderful team here at Bates Green. Thank you Emma so very, very much.”
Emma paid tribute to Carolyn, saying: “It was Carolyn who designed and planted this garden, and it was her idea to apply to join the NGS scheme.
“Back in those days, she used to look after the garden on her own, and that is no mean feat for a garden of this size.
“Now, we are lucky to have a fabulous team making it look really good.”
Irene from the National Gardens Scheme said: “This is very much Carolyn’s project. She knew plants, she had wonderful design ideas, and she was a true inspiration to others. Keeping it open in her memory is such a nice thing to have done.”
Bates Green Garden is open every Wednesday from 10am-4pm until Wednesday 23rd October 2024. www.batesgreengarden.co.uk
The National Garden Scheme gives visitors unique access to more than 3,500 exceptional private gardens. To be accepted as part of it, you must adhere to the highest horticultural standards.
