The garden at White Coppice Farm is opening to the public once again for visitors from across Lancashire to explore the three acres of idyllic land at the farm as the summer sunshine keeps on shining down.
But this summer will mark the last time that owners Raymond and Linda Smith will be opening the garden to the public, which includes sunken rose beds, fountains, waterfalls, and herbaceous borders, as a result of Raymond’s ill health.
Raymond said: “I’m 7o years old with sciatica. We have a very large garden and it’s a lot of hard work. It can be quite stressful opening to the public.”
He added: “I’ve loved every minute of it. It’s been very fulfilling.”
Since it opened 13 years ago, the garden has raised more than £90,000 for local and national charities.
The last public open day for the gardens is this Saturday (July, 14) from 11am to 4pm.
To visit on weekdays you will need to book a slot through Raymond on 01257277633.
History of White Coppice Farm
Raymond Smith was, up until August 2, 2000, the fifth generation of the Smith family to farm at White Coppice Farm.
He is known as the ‘Moosical Farmer’ due to his skills as an amateur musician, organist, choir leader and composer of four musicals.
After turning 50 with farming in the doldrums, and his son not interested in milking cows, he sold up and converted the barn into two three storey houses, one of which he would live in.
He decided to do a course in garden Design at Myerscough College and set up his business ‘Stones and Roses Garden Design’.