Beautiful gardens in Ryearea open for good causes

Gardens are open under the National Gardens Scheme charity or to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice and other local good causes.

On Sunday the stunning garden at Knellstone House, in Udimore, is open from 2pm - 5.30pm.

The garden, which overlooks the Brede Valley, was created by Linda and Stuart Harland against attacks from moles, badgers, rabbits and strong winds.

Tea and home-made cakes will be available. All proceeds go to charity.

Gardens at Playden will be open over the weekend of June 22 and 23. Tickets are £5, from the church, and include a map of the open gardens.

Teas are available in Point Hill. There will be plants, produce and preserves near the church gate.

There is limited disabled parking at Cherries, and some in Fair Meadow. The event raises funds for the upkeep of the church.

Pett villagers are opening eight gardens, on Thursday June 20, to raise funds for Pett Older Peoples Project which has a day centre meeting every Tuesday in the Pett Village Hall offering lunch, entertainment, and practical advice on services .

The gardens are open from 10.30 to 3 pm and a single payment of £4 will gain access to all eight gardens, which are situated along Pett Road near the Recreation Grounds. A map will be provided.

There will be various stalls selling books, cakes and plants, as well as a tombola and garage sale.

Rae Festing will be opening her garden at 11 High Street, Rye, on Saturday June 29 from 11am - 4pm to raise funds for ARRCC.

Andy McConnell, of BBC 1 Antiques Roadshow fame, and one of Britain’s leading authorities on glassware, will be in the garden between 2pm and 3pm to offer advice and to do appraisals on glassware.

There will be a vintage stall, Pimm’s, tea and homemade cakes, a Grand Raffle and much more. For further information contact ARRCC on 01797 227 939.

The impressive Victorian gothic mansion Fairlight Hall opens its grounds and gardens to the public on July 30, from 10.30am - 4pm, in aid of St Michael’s Hospice.

Admission is £5 and afternoon tea and cakes with be served.

The highlight is a stunning walled garden where musicians will be providing a full programme of music throughout the day.