From pretty plants and ponds, to woodland, wildflowers and water features; gardeners across the region have kindly opened their garden gates in support of St Peter & St James Hospice, and you are warmly invited to visit them.
One such beautiful garden, The Old Rectory in Newick, owned by St Peter & St James Hospice patron Lisa Welton, has unfortunately not been able to open to the public this year. But, with the help of Kevin & Clare Clarke at Casey Photography and television and radio presenter Katie Derham kindly narrating, a breathtaking virtual Old Rectory open garden can be seen in full bloom. Lisa plans on opening the Old Rectory up to the public in the 2022 Open Garden season and it’ll definitely not be one to miss!
Katie Derham is lending her support to St Peter & St James annual Open Gardens campaign to help raise vital funds. Katie, who lives in the West Sussex countryside and is also 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 year and to offer support of the fundraising activities of the hospice.”
We are now about half way through our Open Garden season, after hosting our own on Saturday 3rd July, but there are still plenty of opportunities to get out and visit some fantastic gardens within our community this summer. In true hospice tradition, tea and cake will be served at the larger gardens as Open Gardens season progresses; including The Old Coach House in Sayers Common on 10th & 11th July, 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.
Please visit our events page for a list of all gardens, booking tickets in advance is essential.
