Gardens across Devon open to public in aid of Hospiscare

Hospice charity Hospiscare is inviting residents to visit open gardens in their local community to support end-of-life care in Exeter, Mid and East Devon. 

From May to September, gardeners across Devon will welcome members of the community to enjoy their beautiful green spaces in return for a donation to the local hospice charity, raising vital funds to allow Hospiscare to continue providing specialist end-of-life care across the heart of Devon.

With almost 40 gardens opening their gates this year, including in Axminster and Colyton, and many new additions – including beautiful estates, community gardens, charming cottage gardens, and even a honey farm – there is something for everyone to enjoy.

The annual fundraising event is a vital source of funds for the local hospice and would not be possible without the incredible support of the Devon community and event sponsor, Otter Garden Centres, who have been sponsoring the event for five years.

More than 20 open gardeners recently came together at Otter Garden Centre in Ottery St Mary to celebrate the start of the open garden programme, sharing ideas and tips for the year ahead.

Jacqui Taylor, managing director at Otter Garden Centres, said: "We are delighted to be supporting Hospiscare once again this year and proud to support the outstanding work of their nurses in our East Devon community as well as across Exeter and Mid Devon.

"We are more passionate than ever about protecting the environment, working sustainably and providing a safe haven for wildlife. Hospiscare's Open Gardens provide a great opportunity for nature and wildlife to visit a variety of wonderful gardens in the area to survive and thrive locally.

"We look forward to seeing all the beautiful open gardens in 2023!"

Laura Robertson, fundraising projects manager at Hospiscare, added: "This is the 15th year of the Hospiscare Open Garden programme, which to date has raised over £350,000 for our local charity thanks to the kindness of our incredible community.

"We are so thankful for the continued support we receive from our community and ongoing event sponsors, Otter Garden Centres."

Sue Glanville has been collaborating with her neighbours to open their gardens for Hospiscare for over ten years.

She said: "It's a great way to bring people together and meet those in your area. It fosters a sense of community, especially as we're all working together to support the same worthy cause."

All funds raised from Hospiscare Open Gardens will ensure the charity can continue to provide free end-of-life care for local people living with a terminal illness.

The hospice supports close to 2,500 patients and their families every year across Exeter, Mid and East Devon, and needs to raise around £8 million a year to continue providing this support. With just 19% of the charity's income funded by the NHS, events like Hospiscare's Open Gardens are crucial.

Why not visit one of these beautiful gardens and support Hospiscare? Find a garden near you by visiting www.hospiscare.co.uk/gardens to see the full selection of gardens, along with their opening dates and details.

If you're interested in opening your garden for Hospiscare this year, contact [email protected] or call 01392 688020 to find out more.