Whickham Hermitage Community Garden, a restored early 19th-century garden described as 'Whickham's best-kept secret', is celebrating its 20th anniversary. The garden, an oasis of calm in the area, is now proudly revealing all as it marks its two-decade milestone, inviting visitors to explore its autumnal colour.
A farmer's vision revived
The late Dave Peacock was the driving force behind the garden, whose story began when he called a public meeting to discuss land that had been left derelict for decades. He then formed a committee to seek planning permission and raise funds to restore what previously had been the garden of the 1790 Heritage House, a private residence at the time of Matthew Taylor, who owned keel and wherry boats on the Tyne as well as a brewery in Swalwell.
The huge amount of work to bring the garden back to vibrant life, for free community use, led to Mr Peacock receiving an MBE in 2009. The result was a beauty spot replanted with trees, flowers and shrubs, with a wildlife pond - a mini version of its original boating lake - as well as a boathouse, bridge, pagoda summerhouse and timber watch-tower, in a nod to its original features. The garden became a multiple award-winner.
A lasting legacy
Mr Peacock said at the time: "It is a place for people to come and sit quietly and enjoy." He sadly died in 2021, a week after his 77th birthday, with his daughter Gillian Telfer saying at the time: "The garden was everything to him. It was absolutely derelict when he started but now you could not believe it is the same place - it is amazing now." Another daughter, Sharon Peacock, had helped her father at the site before her own death in early 2020.
Now the garden is kept running by its dedicated team of volunteers and garden experts. Those who have not yet visited can explore an array of plants, with the garden website inviting visitors to "take a gentle stroll around the garden, admiring the autumnal colour". It has plants for sale too.
Tea room and seasonal events
There is a tearoom - The Orangery Cafe - an independent business run by Zoe Armstrong and her team, where customers can enjoy breakfast, lunch, cakes and drinks while taking in the garden views. The grounds are wheelchair-accessible, with paths running throughout and a disabled toilet on-site, and they are dotted with sculptures created by local artists. The garden also boasts a playhouse for children, and dogs on leads are welcome.
Whickham Hermitage Community Garden opens 9am to 4pm from Tuesday to Sunday. It can be found in Hermitage Lane, behind Whickham Community Centre and just off the main Front Street. The site also has information about October events at The Orangery Cafe, which will be hosting some Halloween-themed crafts, pumpkin-carving and themed teas.
