3 minute read
Open Garden Season Is Here
Help the Hospice bloom this summer
From pretty plants and ponds, to woodland, wildflowers and water features; gardeners across the region are kindly opening their garden gates in support of St Peter & St James Hospice, and you are warmly invited to visit them.
Television and radio presenter Katie Derham is lending her support to St Peter & St James Hospice annual Open Gardens campaign to help raise vital funds for the charity. Katie, who lives in the West Sussex countryside and is a patron of the hospice, says of the Open Gardens, “As a keen gardener I am greatly in awe of other people’s skill in creating stunning outdoor spaces, and can’t wait to take a peek at some of the county’s best private gardens. I am delighted to be involved this Carol Hughes from St Peter & St James Hospice encourages readers to explore some of the most beautiful gardens in Sussex and support the expert and compassionate care given to local families
year and to offer support to the fundraising activities of the hospice.”
The first Open Gardens of the season are opening up on the 19th and 20th June in Scaynes Hill, Hassocks and Keymer.
On Saturday 3rd July from 1-5pm, St Peter & St James Hospice will be opening its own grounds for the first time in two years. Visitors can wander around ancient woodland, meet resident donkeys; Dudley and Dylan and learn more about
hospice care in this sanctuary in the heart of Sussex.
Visitors will be able to see the work of the hospice’s dedicated volunteer gardeners who look after the lovely grounds. Volunteers Liz and Paul Mercer explained, “We look forward to working in the hospice grounds every Friday morning, all year round; enjoying the differing tasks of each season. As well as having fun with good friends, volunteering in the gardens is also great motivation for getting up and getting out during the winter months. Knowing that our enjoyment also provides pleasure for others and raises funds for the hospice is a bonus.” The volunteer hospice gardeners will be on hand to offer gardening advice, and there will be homemade tea and cake to enjoy, as well as other stalls and a coin amnesty.
On Sunday 4th July from 1-5.30pm it’s time for the Burgess Hill Garden Safari, whereby keen gardeners from the town allow the general public to visit their gardens. Proceeds from the sale of refreshments goes to the hospice. Look out for Burgess Hill in bloom online.
In true hospice tradition, tea and cake will be served in the larger gardens as Open Gardens season progresses; including Mill House in Plumpton on 18th July, The Beeches in Barcombe on 25th July and Newtimber on 22nd August.
Some gardens are also dog friendly so feel free to bring Fido along as well. To ensure the comfort and enjoyment for both the garden owners and all visitors, tickets to all gardens must be ordered in advance via the hospice website. l Pre-book tickets only please from: www.stpjhospice.org/events For Burgess Hill Garden Safari visit burgesshillinbloom.co.uk
OPEN
Saturday 3rd July 1-5pm
North Common Rd, North Chailey, BN8 4ED
Registered charity number: 1056114 Spot birds and butterflies on a tour of the Woodland Walk, and enjoy stunning views of the South Downs with a cuppa and slice of cake. You can also meet the two most mischievous members of the hospice team: the donkeys Dudley and Dylan! For tickets please visit
