THIS summer, gardens across West Essex are opening their gates and taking part in the perennially popular Open Gardens event as it returns for its 29^th year. 

This year, the horticultural event will take place throughout the summer season, giving green-fingered fans of the event many opportunities to explore the beautiful gardens that will be opening for St Clare Hospice. From the start of May until mid-July, lovers of flora and fauna will be able to explore some of the best-kept green spaces in the Hospice’s catchment area over a ten-week Open Gardens season – with gardens open across Harlow and Epping Forest. 

One of the gardens opening its gates to the public belongs to St Clare Hospice Patron and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Michael Chapman. The garden sits in the grounds of the Grade II listed 17th century Goosebury Hall in Epping Green, and is a real treasure trove and even includes a Labyrinth for visitors to explore.

Michael Chapman said: “Giving support to St Clare through visiting one of the Open Gardens in the scheme is an excellent way to pick up some great gardening ideas and learn from other local gardeners, have a great day out, and give support to your local hospice charity.”

“I am delighted to be opening my own garden for the sixth consecutive year for this wonderful St Clare event and look forward to people enjoying the beauty of my garden. The garden is registered with the national Quiet Gardens Movement and is full of secluded nooks and crannies to sit alone, meditate and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.”

Events will be held on a total of eight dates throughout the summer, with locations opening their gates to the public in aid of St Clare Hospice. The first event is on 6^thMay 2023, and final opening on 22^nd July. 

Open Gardens event organisers at St Clare are hoping to raise more than £8,000 for the Hospice across the summer season. Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and is from £5 per garden or group of gardens. Tea, cakes, lunches and plants to buy are available in many of the gardens.

Goosebury Hall will be opening on Saturday 6^th May and Monday 8^th May and is located at Epping Upland, CM16 6QN.

Entry to Goosebury Hall on 6^th May is payable on the gate and costs £5.

Entry to Goosebury Hall on 8^th May for the afternoon tea experience needs to be pre-booked. It costs £15 per person and you can book online atstclarehospice.org.uk/gooseburyafternoontea or by calling 01279 773750.

A free guidebook, which includes details of each of the participating gardens or groups of gardens and the cost of entry, is available in any of the St Clare Hospice charity shops, or at the Hospice Reception in Hastingwood. 

For more information, please contact St Clare’s Fundraising Team on 01279 773750 or email Ellie Gale on [email protected]

For a full list of the participating gardens and their opening dates, please visit the St Clare Hospice website at: stclarehospice.org.uk/open-gardens

Open Gardens is kindly sponsored by Land Sheriffs.

This year, the horticultural event will take place throughout the summer season, giving green-fingered fans of the event many opportunities to explore the beautiful gardens that will be opening for St Clare Hospice. From the start of May until mid-July, lovers of flora and fauna will be able to explore some of the best-kept green spaces in the Hospice’s catchment area over a ten-week Open Gardens season – with gardens open across Harlow and Epping Forest. 

One of the gardens opening its gates to the public belongs to St Clare Hospice Patron and Deputy Lieutenant of Essex, Michael Chapman. The garden sits in the grounds of the Grade II listed 17th century Goosebury Hall in Epping Green, and is a real treasure trove and even includes a Labyrinth for visitors to explore.

Michael Chapman said: “Giving support to St Clare through visiting one of the Open Gardens in the scheme is an excellent way to pick up some great gardening ideas and learn from other local gardeners, have a great day out, and give support to your local hospice charity.”

“I am delighted to be opening my own garden for the sixth consecutive year for this wonderful St Clare event and look forward to people enjoying the beauty of my garden. The garden is registered with the national Quiet Gardens Movement and is full of secluded nooks and crannies to sit alone, meditate and enjoy the tranquility of the surroundings.”

Events will be held on a total of eight dates throughout the summer, with locations opening their gates to the public in aid of St Clare Hospice. The first event is on 6^thMay 2023, and final opening on 22^nd July. 

Open Gardens event organisers at St Clare are hoping to raise more than £8,000 for the Hospice across the summer season. Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and is from £5 per garden or group of gardens. Tea, cakes, lunches and plants to buy are available in many of the gardens.

Goosebury Hall will be opening on Saturday 6^th May and Monday 8^th May and is located at Epping Upland, CM16 6QN.

Entry to Goosebury Hall on 6^th May is payable on the gate and costs £5.

Entry to Goosebury Hall on 8^th May for the afternoon tea experience needs to be pre-booked. It costs £15 per person and you can book online atstclarehospice.org.uk/gooseburyafternoontea or by calling 01279 773750.

A free guidebook, which includes details of each of the participating gardens or groups of gardens and the cost of entry, is available in any of the St Clare Hospice charity shops, or at the Hospice Reception in Hastingwood. 

For more information, please contact St Clare’s Fundraising Team on 01279 773750 or email Ellie Gale on [email protected]

For a full list of the participating gardens and their opening dates, please visit the St Clare Hospice website at: stclarehospice.org.uk/open-gardens

Open Gardens is kindly sponsored by Land Sheriffs.