If you were out and about in Wymondham at the beginning of June you may have spotted yellow balloons. These were the welcoming signs put up by 24 homeowners taking part in Wymondham Open Gardens inviting visitors to come and see their gardens. All proceeds are going to Wymondham Heritage Museum. Entry was by programme which included free admission to the museum where the Bridewell Tearoom was serving cream teas.
To celebrate the success of the Open Gardens weekend a reception was held at the Heritage Museum. Kevin Hurn, chair of Wymondham Heritage Society welcomed everybody and congratulated the volunteers on their efforts that had made the weekend such a memorable occasion.
Mr Hurn said: “When I was asked if I would open our garden I said there was nothing to see but I’m glad we did. There’s something to see in every garden. We learnt we had red lily mites in our lilies. They’re not there anymore!
“It was a brilliant day; the weather was kind and it was a chance for gardeners to see each others’ gardens at different stages.”
He thanked Wymondham Garden Centre, who sponsored the design and printing of the programme, the volunteers at the museum tearoom and made special mention of Diana Grant who had organised the weekend.
Diana said: “There was a good mix of gardens, some in the centre of town, others outside. Starters to established gardens. Some who had had no idea where to start, to the established that know the Latin names! The atmosphere was extraordinary. It brings people together, they were chatting and sharing ideas.”
Gardens on view included secluded gardens, a “Happiness Garden” from Wymondham Dementia Support Group; at the Green Dragon a garden in memory of John the Gardener and further out, four acres of gardens located in twenty acres of meadowland.
It was suggested that there should be an opportunity for those opening their gardens to see how other gardeners had managed their plots. The Friday before was mooted and this will be considered for the next Open Gardens Weekend in two years’ time.
The event raised more than £7,000 for Wymondham Heritage Museum.
