Hospice open gardens scheme success

SEVEN gardens, seven differing situations presenting both opportunities and gardening challenges for the owners, gave St Michael's Hospice supporters pleasure this week.

Tuesday was Cooden's turn in the spotlight under the hospice's highly-successful annual Open Gardens fund-raising scheme.

The 4-a-head scheme is both a money-spinner for the hospice and a source of delight for a devoted band of supporters. For garden-lovers, late spring and early summer are a time to not only to enjoy the work of other gardeners but to draw inspiration from their results.

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This year, the scheme is being augmented by the provision of transport by coach to a choice of two gardens through the hospice's Days Out Club.

For the cost of only 10, it includes both transport to the gardens and the entrance fee.

Pick-up points are in Bexhill, Battle, Hastings and St Leonards.

Next Tuesday's gardens will include Tidebrook Manor, Wadhurst, home of Phyllida and Glen Earle; a beautiful estate with far-reaching views across open countryside, packed borders, a recently-constructed water feature, lawns, wooded area with pond and an unusual pool-house.

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On Tuesday, July 29 the grounds of Fairlight Hall, Fairlight, the home of Sarah and David Kowitz, will be open. The original walled garden of the Victorian Gothic mansion has been recreated from a dilapidated state and has well-stocked flower borders, a ha-ha, tropical walkway and woodland and stunning views to the sea.

This week, visitors were able to see what has been achieved by Cooden's keen gardeners.

There were pleasant surprises at every turn.

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