Melton church members organise open gardens event with a difference
A popular annual open gardens event with a difference takes place in Melton Mowbray next week.
Organisers, Friends of St John’s Church Melton Mowbray, are opening up nine gardens to the public which are billed as not having manicured lawns and not free of weeds.
They are describing the event, on Sunday June 7, ‘The Gardens Event for Imperfectionists!’.
co-ordinator, Frances Levett, said: “When people think of Open Gardens, they expect things like manicured lawns and weed-free beds of annuals with a colour scheme.
"We aim to provide an alternative experience, showcasing what might be called real gardens.
"We will not call them ‘ordinary’, because each one is a reflection of its owner’s personality and, in a sense, their vision of life.
"They are fascinating, individual, surprising - but not weed-free.
"We weren’t sure when we started it eight years ago whether this idea would be successful, but it has proved hugely popular, with people visiting from towns far and wide.”
This year there are three new additions to the gardens, including a ‘no dig’ garden.
Some gardens will have plants for sale and some will provide refreshments and there is also a free bee hunt for children at one of the locations.
It will cost £5 to get into all nine gardens – children get in free – and vsitors can pay at most of them on arrival.
You can also pay in advance by contacting Frances at [email protected] or on 0790631635.
A map and brief descriptions of the gardens will be provided.
Proceeds go to Friends of St John’s Church, to improve and maintain the church and the new hall on Thorpe End.