Open your garden to the public for hospice

This summer, Open Gardens 2016 will be running from 21 May until the end of August. Last year, 40 gardens took part to mark the Hospice’s 40th anniversary and it is hoped that even more will do so this year.

Last year’s Open Garden programme ‘bloomed’ wonderfully raising £20,000 for the hospice. There were different kinds of interesting gardens involved, from luxurious estates and herb gardens to themed settings and trails.

St Peter & St James is encouraging everyone to get involved and all types of gardens are welcomed.

All the hospice services are free of charge to patients and loved ones and St Peter & St James relies on its local community for 86% of its funds, as just 14% comes from the Government. The hospice needs to raise more than £2.6 million every year through fundraising and that works out as £7,200.

Carol Hughes, community fundraiser, said: “We are so grateful to our local community for its support for our Open Garden programme, to our garden openers, our volunteers and to the public for attending.

“The Open Gardens are great community events where you can see lovely gardens, enjoy home-made teas, meet with friends and support the hospice.

“Each year we need new gardens to help keep the programme appealing, so if you would like to offer your garden, please call me.”

If you would like to open a garden or to know more contact Carol Hughes on 01444 471598 by Friday 19 February 2016.

Report contributed by St Peter & St James Hospice.