Green-fingered visitors helped to raise £1,150 for Haven House Children’s Hospice at its first open gardens event on Saturday 7 May.

Sponsored by Webbs Garden Centre, the event offered visitors a history tour of the Woodford Green hospice’s award-winning grounds, walks through its magical Bluebell wood and refreshments in the sensory garden. Local garden designers, Robert Stoutzker of London Edible Gardens Ltd and Siobán Thomas of Leaf and Acre Ltd also ran design workshops for 60 guests and families.

Mike Palfreman, Chief Executive of Haven House, said: “We’re delighted that so many local people came to visit our gardens and learn more about the history of The White House, the arboretum and our 18-acre forest.

“I hope this event inspires gardening enthusiasts to open their gardens to the public on our Open Gardens Day on Saturday 25 June to showcase their own pride and joy, while raising funds for local-limited children and their families.”

Guest speaker, Siobán Thomas of Leaf and Acre Ltd said: “The Haven House gardens are stunning. The bluebell carpets under the magnificent oak trees were so beautiful. I was impressed with all the volunteers and the trouble taken to make the play facilities so good for the children. It’s a truly worthwhile project to be involved in.”

The Open Gardens event was held to encourage members of the local community to open their own gardens on Saturday 25 June. Your garden does not need to be large or elaborate to join in with this initiative and the Haven House team has many ideas on how you might be able to raise money and be part of Open Gardens Day in 2016.

To open your garden for Haven House please call or email Community Fundraiser, Matt Charlton on 020 8506 3637.

Many thanks to Deli on the Green, Woodford Green and Percy Ingle, Chingford, who donated refreshments for the event.

To find out more please visit our Open Gardens Day webpage