Preparations for Grayshott’s Hidden Gardens are well under way, with more than 40 gardens and village attractions getting ready to welcome visitors over the bank holiday weekend of May 28 and 29.
The event will be the first for four years after the Covid pandemic, and promises to be a wonderful way to show off and explore Grayshott village, its hidden garden treasures and businesses.
More than 40 venues have already signed up for this year’s Grayshott Hidden Gardens, including nine gardens opening for the first time under their current owners.
And as well as beautiful gardens set in National Trust countryside, there is a host of attractions to keep people of all ages entertained, including:
- Listen to gardening expert Kate Turner, who has a wealth of experience.
- Grayshott School is running a plant station for the younger green fingers, as well as a display showing off its pupils’ artwork.
- Phil Bates, a Grayshott resident, is displaying his eye-catching paintings in his garden.
- Enjoy the chance to experience craftsmen creating swords at Goldeneye Forge.
- Brad, a local beekeeper, will help you find the Queen Bee in his display.
- Or visit Grayshott Fire Station to watch firefighters at work.
Jane Hartley, one of the event organisers, said: “Without the amazing support and commitment of garden owners and attractions, we would not be able to run such a jam-packed event, all with the reward of raising funds for gardening projects for the village.
“While gathering the entries for our Garden Guide we noticed there are several trends. Over the past few years many of us have found the solace of our gardens a welcome relief.
“Lockdown gardening encouraged many people to create or refresh areas in their gardens and several gardens which have opened before have new features.
“Wildlife-friendly planting is popular, with garden owners choosing plants that are a nectar-rich menu for the bees; cut flower growing is featured, as well as water features; new grow your own plots and entertaining areas.
“In addition, we are thrilled to announce there are nine gardens that will open for the first time under the current owners.”
The event is open to all, and with so much to see and do four ‘trails’ have been created, each with their own special features:
- New gardens – these are gardens which are opening for the first time under the current owners.
- Paw friendly – dogs must be on leads at all times and must be well behaved.
- Easy access – suitable for wheelchairs and prams.
- Heritage – a trail to highlight the wonderful history behind the village.
During the weekend there will also be a children’s competition which encourages youngsters to be budding explorers and a photography competition for children and adults.
Tickets will be on sale from April 29, from when visitors will also be able to get their hands on a Garden Guide, giving plenty of time to plan their days.
On the day, visitors need to go to the box office to get a wrist band for entry into the gardens and attractions. To keep abreast of all the latest information, sign up to the newsletter at https://www.hiddengardensofgrayshott.co.uk/