Floral delights in the garden (From Gazette Series)

Floral delights in the garden

A LONG, hot summer resulted in a bumper year for a scheme that raises money through showcasing Gloucestershire gardens.

Gardens of Gloucestershire 2003, part of the National Gardens Scheme, involved around 120 gardens across the county opening at various times between February and October.

County organiser Stella Martin said in her seven years of coordinating the scheme she had not seen a more successful summer.

"This was an extremely successful year for the scheme," she added. "Across the county we raised £90,000, which is the highest we have ever reached. Last year was a record and we have beaten that by £10,000."

The money raised is donated to different charities chosen by the National Gardens Scheme council. Normally around ten different charities benefit and previous benefactors include Macmillan Cancer Relief and Help the Aged.

The Gloucestershire scheme, which includes gardens in North Nibley, Wotton-under-Edge, Charfield, Hillesley, Alderley and Coombe, was given a massive boost by good weather over the summer.

Mrs Martin added: "The dry summer helped enormously. May, June and July were particularly good making it easy for people to go out visiting."

One particular crowd-puller was Ozleworth Park. In one afternoon the garden raised £1,000.

"Ozleworth is a very popular opening," added Mrs Martin. "It is the biggest garden in the Wotton area. Alderley Grange, which is only open by appointment had a very successful summer also raising £1,000."

Mrs Martin said the future success of the National Gardens scheme, which has already been running for 75 years, lies in being able to find new gardens.

"We are always on the look-out for new gardens to join the scheme," she added. "The gardens have to be of a certain quality and standard. Design is quite important. Gardens do not have to be a particular size - we have tiny gardens in the scheme. But they have to look good and be well maintained and we love unusual gardens."

Anyone interested in becoming part if the scheme is asked to contact Stella Martin on 01453 883419.