Blooming lovely gardens

Crowds of garden lovers flocked to the ancient Cinq Port town, to explore a splendid collection of 11 gardens, boasting a mixture of walled gardens, breath taking views towards Rye and the ocean and luscious flower displays.

“We are so grateful to the residents of Winchelsea for opening their gardens in aid of the Hospice. It was lovely to see so many people enjoying all the gardens, whilst supporting their local Hospice, said Sally Beresford, Community Fundraiser at St Michael’s Hospice. “The Open Garden Season is superbly staffed by a dedicated group of volunteers who we would like to thank for all their hard work.”

The Winchelsea gardens included; Cleveland House, Cleveland Place, South Mariteau, Kings Leap, Tanners Plat, 1 Stand Plat, Alards, The Well House, Alards Plat, Periteau House and The Armoury. Visitors also enjoyed browsing the St Michael’s Hospice Retail stall where visitors could purchase decorative garden accessories, whilst enjoying tea and fresh home-made cakes in the refreshment gazebo and grab a bargain from the plant stall.

This year’s Open Garden Season is sponsored by Manor Insurance. The next event is the Local Plant and Produce Market to be held in the beautiful Hospice Gardens (25 Upper Maze Hill, St Leonards on Sea) on Saturday May 16, 10am – 2pm.

Sally said the Hospice garden has magnificent herbaceous borders, a short woodland walk and is maintained by the Hospice’s Head Gardener Paul and his team of volunteers, adding: “The Local Plant and Produce Market is the ideal time and place to purchase your plants for the summer months. Food and drink stalls will be showcasing their products which you can sample before purchasing. The Local Plant and Produce Market is new to the Open Gardens calendar and entry to the event is completely free.”

For more information on the Open Gardens or to join the Open Gardens volunteer team, contact Sally on 01424 456369 or email [email protected].

wwww.stmichaelshospice.org.uk