When a young family moved into medieval Norchard, a Grade II* historic hall house in Manorbier, nearly 25 years ago, it is unlikely that they ever conceived how the gardens would blossom.

In the intervening period, a heritage orchard has been planted, the mill pond has been cleared, walled gardens with an Elizabethan, italianate parterre and an ornamental kitchen garden have been restored and hundreds of trees planted.

In 2010, Norchard opened its gates to the public as part of the village’s Open Gardens, raising money for St James’s Church in Manorbier.

In 2012 the gardens were opened under the prestigious banner of the National Garden Scheme (NGS), a nursing and care charity which raises some £3 million annually for Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie, Hospice UK, Parkinson’s UK, Mind and many others.

This year Norchard celebrated ten years of opening for the NGS. Owner, Heulwen Davies said: “It is heart-warming to see so many people, whose faces have become familiar, return time and time again to follow the journey of the restoration and to see the changes over the seasons and the years.

“Norchard has always been an important part of the community and it is nice to think that it can continue to be so whilst simultaneously raising money for very worthy causes.”

But now, this Pembrokeshire garden is gaining national recognition, having been shortlisted as one of 28 of the nation’s favourite NGS gardens to visit, in a competition being run by the The English Garden magazine, Agriframes and Sisley Garden Tours.

“We are very honoured and humbled to be included amongst gardens of such a high calibre.

“It is a testament to the many talented local people who have been involved in Norchard’s ongoing story and to friends and family who have so loyally and generously assisted and supported with the open days.

“Without them, none of this would have been possible.” said Heulwen.

To vote for your favourite NGS garden, go to: https://www.theenglishgarden.co.uk/ngs/