10 am – 5.pm:  Sunday 26th June 2016

Frost is really pleased to hear that Thetford Open Gardens are swinging into action again in June 2016.

Thetford Open Gardens has been going for  ten years, and this year as a celebration, they are hoping to raise in excess of £10,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

So, how did it all begin?

In 2007 Liz Hodgson had the idea of opening some of Thetford’s lovely gardens to the general public, and thereby raising much needed funds for St Nicholas Hospice Care.

This year about 30 gardens old and new will be open for garden lovers, including one which has opened every year. Although the hospice reaps the financial rewards, there have been many community benefits to the day. Local people are surprised by the amazing gardens hidden behind brick walls, the tranquillity of those running down to the river, and the ability of gardeners to fill a “potted” garden with such variety and colour.

Visitors from further away are surprised and delighted to find interesting gardens and a very warm welcome in the town.

Thetford and Croxton [7 gardens this year] ensure refreshments are provided at strategic locations throughout the day. It is possible to start with a ‘bacon butty’ and coffee, lunch on smoked salmon, sip afternoon tea out of china cups and end up with a glass of Pimms, all the while appreciating the flora and fauna in pleasant surroundings.

 It is a great English tradition isn’t it, to saunter about, admiring the blooms, sipping Pimms – given ‘alf a chance. So why not join in.

There will be a chance to buy plants on the day and at the plant sale on May 7th 2016 outside St Cuthberts Church near the market place.

As part of the celebrations, there will be a flower festival in the local Methodist Church on Tanner Street entitled “There is some corner of a foreign field that is forever England”. The flower festival opens on Friday 24th June and runs until Sunday 26th June 10am – 4pm each day.

On Saturday 25th June Lake House, Castle Lane IP24 2ER will be open from 3pm for garden visitors with a programme. Then at 5.30pm the audience will start to arrive for the evening concert with an hour to enjoy their picnic before the fanfare sounds for the music. The Thetford Singers will top the bill, which will include musicians from the Thetford Academy and children’s voices.

‘Pop up’ Spring gardens will be announced on Facebook and Twitter. They will also be in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care.

There will be a prize draw with 10 big prizes including an inclusive hotel break.

Thetford Open Gardens is organised by Rachel Woods, Sue Norman and Jen and Brian Farrell. @ThetOpenGardens

Such a great cause, such great gardens, and lead Frost Magazine to the Pimms, please.