Permaculture garden open to the public on 27 and 28 June
Garden enthusiasts have the chance to explore Ecology Building Society’s Head Office site during this year’s Silsden Open Gardens weekend.
The mutual is among the village organisations taking part in the annual event and will open its gardens between 11am and 4pm on both Saturday 27 and Sunday 28 June.
Ecology’s site, which also includes small wooded and meadow areas, is managed on permaculture principles, to encourage biodiversity and support local wildlife.
Pippa and Andrew Chapman of Those Plant People maintain the garden, with help from Ecology employees, who enjoy the outdoor space and harvest and share the fruit and vegetables which grow there.
Refreshments will be on offer in return for a small donation to charity, with visitors able to use the patio seating, weather permitting. There also will be the opportunity to take a look inside the Head Office boardroom, which is an unusual round structure built from straw bales.
Lara Clarkson, Ecology Building Society’s Facilities Officer, said:
“It’s the second year we’ve opened our garden during this village weekend and we’re looking forward to welcoming more visitors.
“As an added incentive, Pippa Chapman will be in the Ecology garden between 11am and 4pm on Sunday 28 June.
“Pippa is our RHS-trained horticulturist, a permaculture specialist who has appeared on BBC Gardeners’ World and is the author of a number of books. These include pictures and planting designs from the Ecology garden and Pippa will be bringing along copies for purchase on Sunday.”
Tickets for Silsden Open Gardens cost £5 per person and are on sale now at Twiggs Newsagents in Kirkgate. One ticket gives access to all participating gardens across both days and comes with a map. The proceeds from ticket sales will go to the Friends of Silsden Park.
Silsden Open Gardens is organised by Silsden Gardening Club – read more details here.
