Hospice’s most varied Open Gardens season unveiled

An ‘inspirational’ list of entries has ensured this year’s Open Gardens programme for St Michael’s Hospice is the most varied yet.

From beautifully-kept city gardens to sprawling country estates, the 2018 programme launches on Thursday, 12th April when the stunning grounds and part of the house at Eastnor Castle near Ledbury will be opened to the public.

The Shobdon Court estate, along with the eye-catching St John the Evangelist Church, which can count Prince Charles among its admirers, follows six days later.

An integral part of the Open Gardens programme is the coming together of communities, and this year the residents of Brampton Abbotts, near Ross-on-Wye, and Marden will welcome visitors on 2nd June and the 9th – 10th June respectively.

There are returning supporters too, with Sue Crooke opening her Lugwardine garden for a fourth time.

Many of the gardeners have a special reason for opening. Laura Matthews loved spending time outdoors with her husband, Peter, who died last February at St Michael’s Hospice.

They had always talked about opening their garden, just outside Bredwardine, but had never got around to it. This year, on 30th June and 1st July, she’ll do just that.

‘After he died, I was spending a lot of time out in the garden, and I thought it would be a good idea to open it,’ said Laura. ‘Having told people what I had planned, everyone was wildly enthusiastic. I’ve had lots and lots of support.’

The 15 events culminate at Bury Court Farmhouse in Wigmore on 23rd September, a week after Moccas Park, a beautifully managed woodland in western Herefordshire which has a rare opening where visitors will be given the chance to take part in a guided walk of the national nature reserve.

This season’s programme has caught the eye of Herefordshire-based gardening guru Tamsin Westhorpe, a garden writer and former editor of The English Garden magazine.

‘All of those who have kindly offered to open their gardens for St Michael’s Hospice should be congratulated for their gardening prowess and their generosity,’ she said.

‘By opening their gate they’ll not only offer inspiration to other gardeners, but they are providing a beautiful place for visitors to catch up with friends, enjoy some fresh air and escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life.’

Last year’s Open Gardens season raised a record £23,400.

Among the highlights was Sir Roy Strong’s The Laskett Gardens in Much Birch which attracted more than 800 visitors in just a few hours.
‘Open Gardens is about more than just a garden,’ said Nicki Lloyd from St Michael’s who co-ordinates the Open Gardens programme.

‘It’s about people welcoming others, many of whom they have never met, to their home, all in support of their Hospice.

‘It brings communities together and gives the public the chance to view gardens they wouldn’t otherwise have seen.’