VISITORS can enjoy a look around 16 beautiful gardens as part of an open garden day trail to raise money for Havens Hospices.


There will be tea and cake – and even a Pimms tent – along the trail which includes gardens in Hockley, Rochford and Canewdon.
Claire Wilson and Lisa Durham have been fundraising for the hospices for many years, holding events and taking part in challenges.
“Part of our fundraising is the open gardens event on Sunday, June 26. We have 16 gardens in Hockley, Rochford and Canewdon opening for people to have a wander around, great for getting ideas for your own garden,” said Claire.
It costs £5 per person for a programme and entry to the gardens and children go free.


Among the list of gardens open to the public are:
n 14 St Andrews Road which is a cottage style garden where there is mature wisteria at the front of the house, lawn areas flanked by vegetable beds and perennial borders. 
Visitors can enjoy the viburnum arch which leads to a fish pond with a Monet style bridge and pebbled beach area shaded by mature trees.
n 5 Blenheim Close, where there is an animal sanctuary garden where there are chickens, ducks, quails, rabbits tortoise, guinea pigs and Biggins the pig! 
n 41 Stanley Road, where there are numerous pots climbing plants and a small area is boarded with trees and shrubs. A dry area features Easter Island statues a rockery seating.
n 1 Johnson Close - there is a Pacific Coast theme with tropical plants like palms, tree ferns, a giant bird of paradise, banana trees, bamboo and a poolside tiki bar. 
Visitors are reminded to take caution with children the near pool.
In August Claire and Lisa will embark on an epic bike ride, cycling approximately 270 miles from Salzburg to Vienna to raise money for the hospices.
Tickets and programmes for the gardens event can be purchased at Riverside Nursery, Hockley, Amos, Hockley, Thoughts card shop, Hockley and Costcutter, Canewdon.


Search Hockley, Rochford, Canewdon Open Gardens on Facebook for full details of all the gardens. 
For Lisa and Claire’s fundraising page visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/claire-lisa-amanda.