Beck Hall, Billingford

The visit to Beck Hall took place on Saturday 20th May. 2pm-5pm
By kind invitation of Lady Goodenough

Beck Hall is approached along a curved drive with a mixed planting of trees and alliums. On the right hand side just before the drive crosses over the moat there is a very attractive planting of hostas, flints and spiky vegetation. The moated Hall is set in a prehistoric riverbed.

The weather on the day of our visit was absolutely stunning and our members thoroughly enjoyed walking around the very attractive estate in the sunshine.

The Goodenoughs have undertaken a huge restoration project to the house and surrounding area. The idea is to create a low maintenance garden, which will be adaptable to climate change. To the left of the front of the house is a lawn and beyond there a border of mixed shrubs and trees which conceals a wildflower meadow, part of the rewilding project, with a wonderful bed of geranium Rozanne extending the length of the field. This leads down to a pond and an attractive Shepherds Hut. Moving on one comes to the fruit and vegetable area with greenhouses, garden sheds and cold frames. It is all beautifully maintained and very productive. There is another pond near the vegetable garden where one can sit and enjoy the surroundings. At the back of the area is a shady pergola with wisteria and Canna lilies in pots. There are several sitting out spaces which add to the charm of the property. Hidden at the back of this area is the family entertaining space. There is also an orchard.

Over 170 members enjoyed the afternoon. The Norfolk Garden Trust is extremely grateful to Lady Goodenough for her very warm welcome and all the trouble she went to in creating an exhibition of the recent repairs and history of the hall in one of the outbuildings.

Teas were provided by the Boston Tea Party, and proved to be very popular.