Open Gardens

Many of us enjoyed watching the fifteen exquisite village gardens from the comfort of our own homes that were launched back in May 2020. The brainchild of our dear Ali Watkins, the virtual open gardens were a response to lockdown and sheer determination on her part that we could still get to enjoy the efforts of so many talented gardeners in the village and of course, raise funds for local charities.

It was also the first virtual fund-raising event of its kind for St Michael's Hospice. Each garden had their own dedicated video, expertly filmed by Sophie Jones with original and immersive music from Tom Hughes to accompany each tour.

The donations started to roll-in and the tours proved so successful that they were kept online right up until the end of the summer 2020. Online donations to St Michael's Hospice totalled £1,900 which is a fantastic amount of money.

Thanks must go to our wonderfully creative gardeners, Sophie and Tom and of course, lovely, beautiful Ali who was sadly taken away from us in June 2020. We know that Dave, Rory and Erin are extremely proud. Our thanks to everyone who donated and helped spread the word. Funds raised were split between the Hospice, the Church, and The Emmy Coates Thyroid Cancer Research Fund at The Royal Marsden.

Although donations to the virtual gardens have closed - do continue to read more about the background of this amazing project and feel free to sit back and enjoy the videos and images which we've kept live for all to enjoy.

We went live on Saturday 30th May with our virtual Open Gardens. This was a first for the Hospice Open Garden programme. 15 gardens took part.

All income streams for Charities like St Michael's Hospice have been severely affected by the current Covid-19 crisis. Our aim was to raise, funds to support St Michael's Hospice, St Andrew's Church, Hampton Bishop and The Emmy Coates Thyroid Cancer Research Fund at The Royal Marsden.

By the end of Summer 2020 the virtual garden tours had raised £1900 for the various charities. Our thanks to those who donated.

If you would like to view the archive our 15 glorious gardens do browse our video gallery below. Sit back and immerse yourself in a breath-taking array of colour and light. Turn up your sound as Tom Hughes mesmerising music accompanies you around each garden.

Our huge thanks to Tom Hughes who composed the music and produced the videos.   Tom is a local musician and composer with a wealth of experience in providing music services.  He is music director of Hereford Community Choir and Hereford Folk Ensemble.  Both music groups take place regularly at Hampton Bishop Village Hall. 

Also, Sophie Jones for her video footage and photography. Sophie is a creative thinker and graphic designer with an impressive portfolio. She produces a variety of bespoke graphics and artwork including illustration gifts, pet portraits and wedding stationary.

This event would not have been possible without the kind generosity, passion and commitment of all of the gardens owners, so we are truly grateful.

But above all, thanks to our dear Ali Watkins, the brainchild of the project, who very sadly passed away in June 2020 after bravely fighting cancer.

Box Tree Cottage

Broxwood House

The Chimneys

Church Bells

Jays Nest

Kingsmere

Lower House

Oak Court

Old Court Cottage

Old Rectory Cottage

Pentilo Cottage

Saffron House

The Stone Barn

The Studdies

Thatched Cottage