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Here's how it went in 2019.

 

The day dawned wet but this didn't stop our hardy visitors setting off around the gardens on Sunday 16th June. As soon as the sun came out so did many more people and a wonderful time was had by all as they admired the magnificent range of gardens on offer. In the end we sold an amazing 820 tickets and have raised £7215 towards the upkeep of Bookham's Old Barn Hall, our second best figures ever. At the Hall our team provided tea, coffee, cold drinks, rolls and their usual mouthwatering selection of cakes. There were also stalls from Bookham Country Market, and outside the plant stall was very busy yet again. We hope the winners of our grand raffle enjoyed their prizes!

Our visitors are always keen to see new gardens and were not disappointed as we had 6 excellent new ones. There were also eight old favourites, back after at least a year off, and many had new planting to show us. All were full of colour and charm and some had quirky and interesting features too.

Dawnay School was back after a few years' absence. They have a very enthusiastic garden club and raised money for a new polytunnel used both for growing and for teaching space. They also have a wildlife pond, a bug hotel, colourful pots and a sensory garden. Children are encouraged to use their imagination, enjoy being outdoors and gain an understanding of nature, with support from staff and parents.

The Grange once again opened their Victorian walled garden, where clients are encouraged to grow flowers, fruit and vegetables ably assisted by the horticultural team. They personalise their own plots very imaginatively. Some grassy areas are left to grow long and they have been rewarded by the emergence of lots of bee orchids. 

At Little Bookham Allotments plots are tended by enthusiastic gardeners who enjoy a community atmosphere and rural setting surrounded by birdsong. Both edibles and beautiful flowers feature, and there is a wild flower meadow.

Gracewell Care Home opened for a second time and featured lavenders and other shrubs alongside a raised vegetable bed designed for  wheelchair users and residents' own colourful planters.

As usual we offered a minibus service around the gardens which is always gratefully appreciated.

You can find a selection of photos of the event via the link below or on our Facebook page "Bookham Open Gardens" which we invite you to  "Like". We are always on the lookout for new gardens - do let us know by clicking on the link below if you are thinking of opening. Our enthusiastic garden openers now deserve a well earned rest but they won't be leaning idly on their spades for long before the next seed of an idea germinates in their fertile minds! Gardens don't stand still and neither do the gardeners.

The Committee and Bookham Community Association would like to thanks everyone who visited and those who worked so hard to make the day so enjoyable and successful and gave so freely of their time . This includes

* The garden openers for putting on such a splendid show.

* 1st and 3rd Bookham Scouts and Manor House School for once again providing their minibuses which provide such a valuable service getting people around the gardens.

* All the volunteers involved with driving the minibuses, making and serving refreshments, selling tickets and plants, marshalling the car parks and stewarding at the gardens on the day.

* Our main sponsor, The Vineries Garden Centre, our other supporters, and those who donated raffle prizes.

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Visit

Bookham Open Gardens 

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