AN open gardens event has raised £1,500 for the village hall in Hambleden.
About 200 visitors walked through the gardens and attended a summer market and café at the village hall on Saturday, June 6.
Penny Wright, who has lived in Hambleden for about 45 years, opened her garden to visitors and has done so for the past three years.
She said: “I didn’t think that people would really like to see our small cottage gardens. How wrong I was! This year, the hot weather in the week prior to opening meant a lot of hard work in the garden.
“But, on seeing how much people seemed to love it, it was well worth the effort. I’m really looking forward to taking part again next year.”
Jill and Peter Steward, from Hambleden, take part every year.
Mrs Steward said: “We were very glad to open our garden. It is always a bit of pressure to get it tidy and planted up in time but it is a wonderful focus for us.
“We were amazed at how many people came in spite of the rain, most of them were unrecognisable in their anoraks and hoodies. We waved back at those who waved at us, so no one was offended!”
At the market, guests could buy handmade crafts including paintings, greetings cards, painted glass, knitted toys, pens and jewellery.
Danesfield Gardens Nursery, based in Marlow, sold plants and flowers at the village hall, where guests could also buy hot drinks and cakes baked by volunteers.
The event is run by the management committee of the hall and is the “biggest fundraiser” that it hosts each year.
Steven Skelton, who is the treasurer, said: “We were delighted and a little surprised to make £1,500 for the village hall funds. I think it has become a fixture in many people’s calendars and they will come and enjoy the gardens whatever the weather.”
Sara Horner, who helped to organise the event, said: “We had several gardens that were open for the public to view, providing a wonderful opportunity to see gardens generally only visible from the road in passing, if at all.
“Many offer a hidden oasis behind garden gates, through archways and hedges and all looked simply stunning, which is a testament to the hard work of the owners who generously shared them with everyone who came.
“Thank you to everyone involved in organising the event and to the brilliant volunteers who turned out on the day to make the event a success.”
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