Open Gardens
A date for your diaries...
Holme-next-the-Sea Open Gardens 2012 will be on
Sunday 8th July!
The village's annual Open Gardens day has, deservedly, become one of the most popular events of its kind in north west Norfolk. The Help Holme Church Group
manages the day under the direction of the organiser, John Loversidge, together with the help of a large team of 'workers' most of whom live in the village. We are most
fortunate that there are also others from further afield who freely give of their time and assist with a variety of jobs all of which are vital to the smooth running
of the event.
There are usually between 10 and 12 gardens open where the public can browse at leisure and see just what other folk do with their own patch! The style of each garden
varies and in 2011 there was, amongst others, this one...
...and in 2010 this very large formal garden designed by RHS Chelsea Flower Show Gold Medal winner Tom Stuart-Smith.
A new feature introduced in 2010 was a shuttle bus to ferry visitors around the gardens. The bus, very kindly loaned by
The Glebe House School, Hunstanton, was an instant success and the service was provided again in 2011.
Refreshments are served throughout the day in the Village Hall on Kirkgate. There is always a wide selection of main salad courses, a variety of puddings (including Eton Mess in 2011!)
and, as you might expect, home made cakes and cream teas also feature throughout the day.
Many of the gardens host additional attractions - regular features include a display of tools and ideas to make gardening easier and a demonstration and talk about birds
and moths. There are always Tombola, Bric-a-brac and Book stalls to be found and home-made chutney and ice cream to buy - and lots of prizes to be won in the raffle!
A regular, and incredibly popular, feature of the day is the plant stall. Here you will find a wonderful selection of plants to buy. If you call in early any
plants purchased can be held until you leave. All part of the service!
St. Mary's Church is an absolute must for all visitors on Open Gardens day. The flower ladies, with the help of friends, always decorate the church with lots of wonderful
floral displays based on a common theme. Just click the links below to see slideshows of the arrangements from 2011 and previous years...
Open Gardens Day, 2011
Open Gardens Day, 2010
Open Gardens Day, 2009
Two of the floral displays from the 2011 Open Gardens Day
All of the proceeds from the day are used by the Help Holme Church Group to help maintain the fabric of St. Mary's Church. Past projects funded by the group include
the replacement of the main south side windows, the replacement of the wall heaters, and in 2009 the provision of toilet and kitchenette facilities. In 2011 the event
raised a total amount, after expenses, of £5,594 - yet another record year!
So why not come along for a super day out and, at the same time, help us to keep our Church in good order? It is intended to hold the admission fee at £3.50 for 2012 and this
entitles you to access all of the gardens on show and to view the floral displays in the Church. The shuttle bus service is included - and accompanied children get in for free!
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who visited the village in July, 2011 on Open Gardens Day. We enjoyed your company and very much looking forward to seeing
you all again next year!
