Updated 26 April 2023
Open Gardens 2023
The 2023 Open Gardens will be on Sunday 25th June, which is our usual slot, the week after June Farmers’ Market, when we can publicise the event. Some people’s gardens are best in spring while others are in their colourful prime in autumn, but there’s usually something to be happy about in June, which suits most people, even if everyone’s gardens look a bit bleak just now.
Open Gardens raises lots of money for charities in a fairly effortless way, as visitors tend to be generous when they see how much effort has gone into creating and sharing such lovely places. Friends and even the most casual of acquaintances (usually gardeners themselves) seem to come miles just to have a look. They are often helpful as well, maybe suggesting good local sources or expressing surprise that a plant you know has been clinging onto life could thrive, despite possibly being in the wrong place. It is a very social event - a bit like a travelling party, but you don’t have to vacuum the house after or provide any entertainment (except a relatively tidy garden) and visitors are happy to move on to the next garden after a short while. A bit like orienteering for the horticulturally inclined, but we do offer a route map.
Last year’s event was hugely successful. Lots of visitors said they were impressed by the variety on display, if left a little breathless by the challenge of fitting them all in. Equally the gardeners had a great day, with some pride in being able to show off what they have achieved.
We are always keen to see new gardens ‘opening up’. They don’t need to be posh, in fact some of the most special ones last year were relatively ordinary spaces where bold structure and imaginative planting have created gardens that will be enjoyed by their owners throughout summer. If you would like to join in or have perhaps opened up in past years, please drop us a line (howard. fry@icloud.com), so we can start preparing this years’ programme. It may be a little early in the year to consider serious gardening, for fear of compacting the soil, but it is a good time for cutting stuff back, dreaming about what could be and making a few lists.
Open Gardens 2022
Open Gardens was back to delight the senses on Sunday 19th June. Here are a few photos.
Ladysmith Road
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Rundle Drive
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Common Ground
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Wostenholm Road
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Meadow Bank Avenue
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Chelsea Road
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