East Devon: Open Gardens set to return for 15th year

Local charity Hospiscare is inviting people to visit Open Gardens this summer to help raise vital funds. 

Almost 40 gardens will open their gates this spring and summer, and there are many new additions. With country estates, community gardens and cottage gardens, there is something for everyone to enjoy. 

Gardens will be open in Whimple, Ottery St. Mary, Honiton and Combe Raleigh as well as further afield. 

The gardens will be open from May to September and offer a lovely day out, in return for a small donation to Hospiscare. Open Gardens is returning for its 15th year and so far the scheme has raised £350,000.

Every year Hospiscare cares for 2,500 people across Devon with a terminal illness but just 19% of its income is funded by the NHS. Events like Hospiscare's Open Gardens are crucial to enable Hospiscare to continue to offer its services for free to the people of Devon.

The annual Open Gardens is sponsored by Otter Garden Centre who have sponsored the event for five years. 

On May 26 two of their employees will skydive for Hospiscare in memory of their mothers who were both looked after by Hospiscare at the end of their lives.

Jacqui Taylor, Managing Director at Otter Garden Centres said: "We are delighted to be supporting Hospiscare once again this year and proud to support the outstanding work of their nurses in our East Devon community.

"We are more passionate than ever about protecting the environment, working sustainably and providing a safe haven for wildlife. 

Laura Robertson, Fundraising Projects Manager at Hospiscare, explains, "This is the 15th year of the Hospiscare Open Garden programme, which to date has raised over £350,000 for our local charity thanks to the kindness of our incredible community."

Sue Glanville has been collaborating with her neighbours to open their gardens for Hospiscare for over ten years. Sue said: "It's a great way to bring people together and meet those in your area. It fosters a sense of community, especially as we're all working together to support the same worthy cause."

If you're interested in opening your garden for Hospiscare this year, please contact [email protected] or call 01392 688020 to find out more

You can find more information here.