Walton on Thames gardens on display

Walton Open Gardens Day takes place this Sunday (June 19) from 2pm to 6pm.

The event organised by the Walton Open Gardens Group, a small group of amateur gardener volunteers who open their private gardens to the public for one afternoon each year.

All of the gardens are located between Walton-on-Thames town centre and the River Thames. The objective of the day, and the group, is to raise funds to improve Walton on Thames' community garden spaces.

The group has an impressive track record. Walton Open Gardens Day 2007 attracted more than 340 visitors to ten private gardens. The £1,100 raised was used to clear and plant some of the flowerbeds in Riverhouse Gardens in Walton on Thames.

In 2008, Walton Open Gardens Day enjoyed stunning weather, which brought over 370 people to nine gardens, raising more than £1,200.

In 2009, Walton Open Gardens Day brought over 300 people to ten gardens raising a further £1,000. Using the funds from 2008 and 2009 the group successfully donated eight trees which were planted in Bridge Street.

These were Carpinus Betulus 'Frans Fontaine' and Malus 'Rudolph'. Judy McRae, the Organiser of Walton Open Gardens Group, said "We hope our trees will thrive and that everyone will enjoy them for many, many years to come!"

If you are interested in visiting the gardens that will be on display this year, contact Judy McRae by email: gardens@waltonopengardens.co.uk