Northwich secret garden to open its doors to the public

Generations of children have been enchanted by the book 'The Secret Garden' which was recently remade as a film, with the story telling of an enchanted garden that surprises, delights and heals its young visitors.

Now, Northwich has its very own 'Secret Garden' - nestled behind the terraced houses on Oak Street, this beautiful haven is now open for children (and adults, of course) to enjoy.

Alison Allum, co-ordinator for Transition Northwich, explains: "The garden was created by Rod Inwood,who worked for Specimen Trees in High Legh, from where he grew and exhibited trees at National Garden Festivals across the UK.

"When Rod passed away in February 2020, his family asked if Transition Northwich would care for the garden and welcome residents of Northwich to enjoy it.

"During the pandemic hard-working volunteers have nurtured plants, grown vegetables, repaired fences and even helped neighbours with their gardens."

The secret garden will open its doors to the public on Sunday, August 2

'Rod's Secret Garden' is now run using Transition principles; showcasing rainwater saving, 'no-dig' to restore the soil, wild-life conservation and without the use of any industrial chemicals.

Alison added: "This year the RHS Britain in Bloom judges are visiting the garden on what would have been Rod's birthday.

"Therefore, the volunteers who care for the garden have chosen Sunday, August 1 for the Open Day.

"The garden will be open to drop-in from 10am – 4pm.

"Free refreshments and craft activities for children will be available throughout the day.

"This is a lovely opportunity for your family to discover a real 'Secret Garden' in town - space that welcomes everyone to relax, enjoy nature and meet new people.

"In the autumn, volunteers will be running gardening activities for children, so this Open Day is a good time to see the garden and find out more.

"If you can't make it to the Open Day, the garden will be open on Tuesdays and Fridays 10am-4pm throughout the summer holidays."

The secret garden is a wonderful oasis at the back of terraced houses on Oak Street.

On these days the volunteers can show you round and set busy hands to work collecting seeds, watering, feeding the fish in the pond and harvesting fresh produce.

Look for 'Rod's Secret Garden' on Facebook or email transitionnorthwich@gmx.com for more details.

As a polite request, visitors are requested not to park in Oak Street itself.

The garden is close to Matalan car park. Cross the road by Sainsbury's petrol station and walk up the ramp under the trees, bearing left at the top. The footpath to the garden starts next to 24 Oak Street, CW9 5LJ.