It’s that time of year when green-fingered folk in St Ives Bay invite visitors to come and see their gardens in all their early summer glory.
The Secret Gardens of Lelant event takes place on Sunday (8th June) and offers a chance to explore a variety of stunning outdoor spaces not usually open to the public, from hidden havens in the heart of the village to spacious waterfront gardens.
Proceeds from the purchase of programmes and refreshments go to Lelant Village Hall. For more information, phone Jayne Wignall on 07713 521695. Tickets are available from The Badger Inn.
Two weeks later, it will be the turn of talented gardeners from St Ives to put out the welcome mat for visitors. The Secret Gardens of St Ives will be open over the weekend of 21st and 22nd June, from 1 to 5pm. Tickets are £7.50, with under-16s free, and are valid for both days. They are available from Colenso’s, at 2 Gabriel Street, opposite the library, and you’ll need to pay by cash.
Tamsyn Williams, one of the organisers of the Secret Gardens of St Ives, said: “The route this year includes some new gardens at the top of town of varying character. Some of the old favourites will also be open, including three artists’ gardens, all of them totally secluded and lushly planted. There will be refreshments along the route and the event takes place come rain or shine! The fact that tickets are valid for two days gives people more time to enjoy each place.”
And it’s not just visitors who enjoy the event. One owner said of their experience of opening their garden in 2024: “I was surprised and delighted at how much I got out of inviting people into my garden.”
The event is in aid of St Ives Community Fund and St Ives Foodshare. The fund works closely with other agencies to support local people who find themselves in financial difficulties, and gives grants to local projects which benefit the community. St Ives Foodshare operates from St John’s in the Fields Church, reusing food which would otherwise go to waste and helping those who are struggling with the cost of living and social isolation.
