Banbury area Open Gardens series to benefit Katharine House Hospice set for launch

One of the gardens set to open to the public to benefit Katharine House Hospice

Beautiful gardens across the area are going to be open to the public once again this summer, thanks to the generous supporters of Katharine House Hospice.

Throughout the summer there will be gardens to visit, starting on Sunday May 23 with eight gardens opening in Chadlington Village between 1 and 5pm.

Chadlington Village Open Gardens Organiser Isobelle Jaques said: “We were obviously disappointed that our gardens couldn’t open last year. Although a plant sale through our local shop raised over £300 for the hospice, we look forward to welcoming people to our gardens on 23 May.

One of two lovely gardens within close proximity of each other which will be open by appointment throughout the summer in South Newington.

"The gardens are spread throughout the village and the timed slots for booking on the Katharine House website will help create a safe environment for a lovely afternoon out.”

The ever-popular Open Gardens for Katharine House have given a vast amount of pleasure to thousands of people over the years and were sadly missed in 2020.

Cherida Plumb, community and events manager at the hospice, said: “We weren’t sure if people would feel comfortable with welcoming visitors to their gardens this year because of the worries of the pandemic, but how wrong we were.

"We’ve been very touched by the enthusiasm of our supporters to open their gardens for us, and are looking forward to seeing how the gardens have developed over the last two years - and being introduced to new ones too.

“New gardens will be added throughout the summer, so it will be well worth keeping an eye on our website to see what’s coming up. If any proud garden owners would like to join the Open Gardens team, it’s not too late - please do get in touch via the website.”

Other villages opening a group of gardens this year include Hornton and Middleton Cheney in July.

In addition, two lovely gardens within close proximity of each other will be open by appointment throughout the summer in South Newington.

The owners said, “We were both humbled by the support and expertise that the Katharine House Hospice team gave us as we nursed a loved one to her end at home. Opening our gardens are a simple way to say thank you to the hospice.”

You can find out more about the Open Gardens and book your slot for Chadlington Village on the Katharine House Hospice website at https://www.khh.org.uk/gardens.