By Prue Heron

Hurstpierpoint Open Gardens was another resounding success - maybe even more so because it had been absent for two years and visitors were keen to get back into the swing and enjoy this popular event. The sun came out just in time for the opening in the afternoon and the village was absolutely packed with visitors carrying locally-grown plant bargains from the plant stall and scrutinising their programmes to decide on the best route. Freeman Brothers, our sponsors, provided a chauffeured limo and Cycling Without Age was kept busy pedalling two trishaws to give lifts to weary walkers.

The generous contributors to this wonderful event are too many to mention here individually, but include: local businesses who displayed flyers, donated raffle prizes and plants; the stallholders who helped attract even more visitors with their variety of offerings and gave donations; the talented bakers who produced some amazing cakes; all the visitors who attended and made the event buzz and, of course, the hard-working and lovely gardeners and their helpers who prepared their gardens and then gave a warm welcome to everyone on the day.

And now the most important part - together, in 2022, Hurstpierpoint Open Gardens’ participants raised a massive, much-needed £7,215 for our local St. Peter and St. James’ Hospice! Thank you to everyone involved. For more photos and individual thanks - visit our website www.hurstpierpointopengardens.co.uk or Facebook page Hurstpierpoint Open Gardens. See you next year! Don’t forget to let us know if you would like to open your garden in 2023, please contact Jo Kaddish on 07743 596068.