Call for green-fingered supporters to open gardens in aid of Rowcroft Hospice

Gardeners are being urged to open their gates to visitors in a fundraising event for Rowcroft Hospice.

Following the success of Rowcroft Hospice’s first community open gardens event last year, the charity is hoping gardeners will sign up to do the same again this year.

Last year, 40 gardeners opened their gates to visitors to raise much-needed funds for the hospice, with many providing refreshments and homemade cakes and snacks for visitors.

“These events raised enough money to provide care and support to nine families through Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home service,” said Debbi Shotton, Rowcroft's senior community fundraising officer.

“So, if you have a cute courtyard, beautiful borders, a quaint cottage garden or a wonderful wildflower meadow, why not sign up for this year’s programme and help Rowcroft to care for patients and their loved ones across South Devon?”

Rachel Cook from Teignmouth hosted an open garden across two days last May and is back on board again this year.

Rachel said: “It was such great fun last time, and I was more than happy to open my garden again this year. Rowcroft is close to so many people’s hearts and it was wonderful to hear how much it means to those in our community. The fundraising team were a great help with tips and advice, so I didn’t think twice about doing it again!”

Another welcome return to the programme is the village of Galmpton. So far, ten Galmpton villagers have signed up to open their gardens on Sunday, June 11, once again raising funds for Rowcroft and other local charities.

To register your garden, visit www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/open-gardens, call Debbi on 01803 210833 or email debbi.shotton@rowcrofthspice.org.uk for more details. Registrations close on Friday, March 3.