GARDEN VARIETY
THERE’S A BUMPER CROP OF OPEN GARDENS TAKING PLACE ACROSS CAMBRIDGESHIRE THIS MONTH. ALEX FICE DOES SOME DIGGING TO UNEARTH THE REGION’S FINEST JUNE IN BLOOM Open Season
opening her own to the public for the third time this year, it can be extremely rewarding for those who decide to host. “I opened my garden for the first time in 2016 and it was such a wonderful experience. It’s lovely to see your property through somebody else’s eyes.” Far from seeking to showcase only the most accomplished enclosures, Open Gardens aims to inspire people to get the most out of their space, regardless of its size or maturity. “We’re not looking for a Chelsea Flower Show garden!” says Fiona. “We want to show regular people that you can make something of anything that you have. However big or small – and whatever the limitations – you can always create something that’s both beautiful and helpful to nature. “We’re hoping this year, especially with things really opening up for the first time, people will be keen to come and see what’s out there and all the things they’ve missed during the pandemic. And we know that people did focus a lot more on their homes and gardens over lockdown, so there is even more of a renewed interest.” There are multiple Open Gardens taking place around Cambridgeshire throughout June, which are listed in full at opengardens.co.uk . Or you can check out our very own handy directory to help identify your nearest event!
e often think of our back garden as a private haven:
WE’RE NOT LOOKING FOR A CHELSEA FLOWER SHOW GARDEN!
the perfect spot for a bit of peace and quiet. Heaven forbid hordes of strangers should wander in and start analysing the flower beds! And yet, every year, hospitable horticulturists across the UK fling the gates wide, and open their backyards to the public, offering up tea, cakes, sandwiches and pearls of wisdom – all in the name of charitable giving and community goodwill. Open Gardens give budding growers the chance to explore the neighbour’s patch, harvesting tips and ideas for their own planting projects, or simply enjoying the fruits of other people’s labours. They’re typically organised by a committee of enthusiastic volunteers, and help raise funds for charities or local initiatives. Above all, they provide opportunities for encounters between like- minded hobbyists, drawn together by a love for nature and gardening. “It is such a joy to be involved in this great event,” says Buckden Open Gardens organiser, Priscilla Gardiner. “I get such pleasure from my garden, and as a result of my first encounter with our village’s Open Gardens, I was encouraged to join the local club – it’s a wonderful way to make new friends.” For Fiona Rose, part of the organising committee for Ickleton’s Open Gardens and
GROWTH Open Gardens are a chance to reap the benefits of neighbourly wisdom
38 JUNE 2022 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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