Open gardens for hospice

A selection of fine flowers and immaculate lawns were put on display by generous homeowners in the Glenleigh Park area.

The result was hundreds of green-fingered visitors, as the area became a buzz of activity.

A huge number of cars meant there was hardly any room to park, such was the popularity of the event.

The home of Mary and Thomas Bunyan featured a raised pond and water feature, along with lots of shrubs and bedding plants.

Mary said: "I'm just pleased to see so many people coming. It's marvellous to see the support for the hospice."

An unusual shaped garden, divided into colourful spaces belonged to Dave and Christine Willis.

Christine said: "We have had a lot of people in and we have had some nice comments as well. I was worrying about it, but it has been lovely."

Kate and Colin Brignall's garden featured dense borders, summer flowering perrennials and a vegetable plot. Visitors could also see the small wildlife pond and herb garden.

Kate said: "Last night I was nervous about people seeing it, but they have all said it is beautiful.

"To be able to do this for St Michael's Hospice is so important."

Ken Carter took the same view when he opened his garden to the public at short notice. "We are always happy to help the hospice," he said.

"My garden has always been my escape," said Patricia Hatch of who had opened her Uplands Close garden. "It's nice to see a lot of the things

I enjoy being enjoyed by other people too."

Suzanne Leonard, open gardens coordinator for the hospice, said: "It has gone really well. The weather has certainly helped. we have had some problems at some of our more rural gardens with bad weather and the price of petrol putting people off, but today seems to have gone really well."