A Bumper Year for Frome Hidden Gardens

The organisers of the Frome Hidden Gardens would like to thank both the gardeners and visitors who made this year’s event a huge success. 

Sharon Rossiter and Imelda Murphy said, “The enthusiastic gardeners prepared their gardens over many months providing colourful and interesting plantings for our visitors to enjoy as a part of the Frome Festival. Visitors also enjoyed tea and cake in a number of the venues and could purchase some interesting and unusual plants. 

“Over £4,000 was raised for a diverse range of charities  -some town-based, as in Fair Frome and some abroad, as in UNHCR for Yemen. Others provided money for our four- legged friends and another for the devastation caused to children by the loss of a parent. In total 16 charities were supported. 

“This year, 32 gardens were open over three days, with different gardens opening on different days. The gardens were fascinating because of their individuality and in several cases, walking through people’s homes was the only way to access the gardens. 

“The range of gardens on show was diverse, ranging from a garden of half an acre with woodland, pond, rill and bee hives to a small stepped town centre garden also – with bee hives and honey for sale. There was a specialist garden where you could buy carnivorous plants and another where you could discover a garden studio with a living wild flower roof. Others offered clever design ideas such as a spiral garden and yet another was a beautiful haven with shade and running water. Vegetables, wildlife areas, composting and a wormery were all part of the interesting mix.  

“We had 24 new gardens this year that, together with the good weather, caused an unexpected surge in programme sales.  The town was buzzing with people recommending to others the next must-see. Exactly 900 programmes were sold, raising £4,500 in support of the annual Frome Festival. Together, the programme sales and monies collected for charities were in excess of £9,500. 

“Ticket demand was up by 40% and this ground swell caused problems at the point of sale. We very much regret the inconvenience that this must have caused people. Please be assured that next year we will ensure that there will be an abundance of programmes and history will not be repeated. We look forward to meeting many of you again in 2020. A warm welcome awaits you as does the opportunity for a delicious afternoon tea and our usual plant sales. 

“Our gratitude for their generosity and support goes to Mercer Design, PPs Commercial Print, the Residents Handbook and Barters Plant Centre.”

If anyone is interested in opening their garden next year would you please write to FromeHidden Gardens@hotmail.com