Hundreds explore Mells’ open gardens

HUNDREDS of visitors flocked to the village of Mells for the annual Open Gardens Event last month.  

Organisers report, “The temperature was ideal and rain held off allowing everyone to see the 15 gardens in their summer splendour. Ranging from the extensive gardens of the historic Manor House to the charming cottage gardens which abound in this interesting and picturesque village, this was the  opportunity to explore behind the scenes. 

“The recently appointed  manager of Mells cafe, Charlie Rowsell, offered her new lunch time menu, cream teas and savoury farmers teas. The walled garden was open to the public as usual and donated 10% of the plant sales to the event. 

“For one day only, a special pop-up cafe in the Tythe Barn offered coffee, cakes, hugely popular lunches and teas, manned by volunteers from the village who also donated the mouth-watering  range of cakes and cookies. 

“Funds raised from the Open Gardens event are being used to purchase benches beside the river near the village shop and will also be part of the ongoing effort to support our volunteer owned and run village shop and cafe as well as our village community. A huge thank you to everyone involved.”