I have been meaning to visit Ryton for some time but never previously got round to it - always too busy visiting gardens owned by the National Trust and the like. However, Ryton was a refreshing change which, rather than being one entire garden with an overall design, consists of a series of fairly recently established (in National Trust terms!) demonstration gardens, all of which are operated on organic principles. So, if you want to see a notoriously difficult to establish wildflower meadow (but be quick as it's due to be mown later this month), a classic herb garden, an example of modern naturalistic planting, vegetable and fruit gardens, a couple of fancy Alitex greenhouses, a woodland garden incorporating lots of living willow, gardens that attract wildlife or bees, a traditional rose garden or even a reed bed sewage system, this is the place to go. It would also be worth a visit if you are looking for ideas for your allotment or information about composting or (obviously) organic growing. In addition, the world's first public biodynamic garden is due to open at Ryton at the end of July.

 

As well as 10 acres of gardens there is an award winning organic restaurant, a cafe serving tea and cakes, a shop and the 'Vegetable Kingdom' exhibition, which is a little bizarre but fun, especially if you pick up the telephones and listen to the actors pretending to be vegetable gardeners through the ages (you'll understand if you visit!). There are free garden tours at weekends in summer and children's activities on Wednesdays throughout the summer holidays.