Visit a stunning garden and help raise funds for a worthy charity
FROM now until September there’s a chance to enjoy some of the county’s beautiful gardens and raise funds for a really worthy cause.
More than 58 gardens will be opening their gates and welcoming the public to explore their green spaces in return for a donation to Hospiscare.
The annual fundraising event will showcase a variety of gardens, including wild gardens, cottage gardens, a newly planted school peace and vegetable garden, a honey farm and an award-winning Victorian fern garden.
There will also be an opportunity to seek gardening advice, share tips and enjoy refreshments at selected gardens, including hot drinks, homemade cakes and afternoon tea.
Windwhistle Barton in Cullompton is included in this year’s selection. Visitors can look around the stunning plot on Sunday, May 5, from 2pm to 5pm. Windwhistle is a plants woman’s garden, created 20 years ago, with a large variety of herbaceous perennials, shrubs and trees, two large wildlife ponds and far reaching views in a stunning rural location.
Laura Robertson, fundraising projects manager at Hospiscare, said: “We’re so grateful for the incredible amount of support we receive year after year from our supporters and ongoing event sponsor, Otter Garden Centres, which has been supporting our Open Gardens for the last eight years.
“Thanks to the generosity of our community, Hospiscare Open Gardens has raised more than £400,000 to date and we can’t wait to see what our gardeners have planned this year!
“Through their ongoing support and various fundraising activities, Otter Garden Centres has so far helped raise more than £45,300 for our local hospice!”
Jacqui Taylor, managing director at Otter Garden Centres, said: “We are looking forward to witnessing the show of beautiful Open Gardens for a cause that holds a special place in our hearts at Otter.
“Our dedicated team takes great pride in supporting the exceptional work of Hospiscare, benefitting not only our East Devon community but also extending across Exeter and Mid Devon.”
Mavis Seeley from Wellington has been supporting Hospiscare for more than 25 years, originally as a trustee and now arranges an Open Garden in her village each year. A trained nurse with 47 years’ experience, she recognised a first class, professional organisation in Hospiscare.
“I have been widowed twice and lost my eldest son, so I know firsthand just how precious caring from professionals can be at end of life,” she said. “As volunteers, we feel part of the wider team and within our village it has become a community event with helpers and cake makers giving enormous support.”
There will be refreshments and a plant stall at Windwhistle. . For more details visit: www.hospiscare.co.uk/ support-our-work/fundraise/ open-gardens-2024/ Windwhistlecross.