Blooming lovely '˜hidden' gardens

The annual event is held to raise funds for St Michael’s Hospice, which is based in St Leonards, and runs throughout the summer. Felicity James, Community Fundraiser Designate at the Hospice says its been a spectacular start. “The St Michael’s Hospice Open Garden season is well underway with visitors being treated to seven, otherwise private, beautiful gardens in Hastings Old Town on Tuesday June 14, “ she said. “Despite the wind, it was a lovely warm day with scores of people turning out to enjoy the beautifully presented and colourful gardens with their unique and memorable features such as picture frames, papier mache animals and a solar system themed plant display. “Visitors were also invited to browse stalls, enjoy tea and cake and listen to the lovely sounds of local folk duo Glashin at the Stade Hall on the seafront.”

The Open Garden season then made its way to Bexhill and Little Common on Tuesday June 21 where Felicity says visitors enjoyed six “spectacular” gardens in glorious sunshine, adding: “The gardens offered a range of beautiful hidden gems, along with lovely water features and breath-taking landscaping.

“The Hastings Old Town gardens and Bexhill and Little Common gardens always look fantastic and both events were a great success.

“We would like to thank the garden owners for their support and hard work, all the wonderful entertainment and of course to everyone who visited the gardens.

“We hope you all enjoyed them as much as we did!”

The next Open Gardens is in Battle tomorrow (Saturday June 25) and Etchingham on Tuesday June 28. For more information on the Open Gardens season, which continues until October, including directions to the gardens, visit: www.stmichaelshospice.com/opengardens