GLORIOUS. That one word summed up Bishampton’s sumptuous Open Gardens event on Sunday , June22. The weather was glorious, the gardens and cream teas were glorious and the stunning floral displays in St James’ Church were especially glorious.

Nearly 120 visitors took the opportunity to come and see what Bishampton had to offer in terms of cottage garden appeal and they certainly were not disappointed.

A shuttle bus took the heat of the tour with its regular trips up and down the village to see no less than thirteen gardens, a lake, the nature reserve and of course, the church with around twenty displays on a summer theme.

The gardens ranged from sophisticated landscaped versions to more modest but packed-with-interest gardens – with one even having resident 75 year Tilly the tortoise as an added bonus. At one of the gardens on the tour – Honeylands –the owners gave a talk about the process of making honey from their own hives which was very popular. Visitors also enjoyed both the plant sales and the scrumptious scones and cream served overlooking a tranquil natural pond – with advice was on hand for anyone interested in composting by Worcestershire volunteers.

Pete Chamberlain, Chair of the Club, said: “We were certainly blessed with superb weather, and after weeks of preparation it was especially rewarding to be able to welcome so many visitors to the village, to see some really interesting gardens.

“We organize this event every two years and I’m pleased to say 2014 will go down as an outstanding success. I would like to thank all the garden owners and volunteers who made this possible, as well of course as the visitors some of whom came from quite a distance. In total we have calculated we should have made in the region of £800 on the day.”

Some of the proceeds from the event will go towards supporting West Midlands Air Ambulance and Acorns Hospice.

Now the club is asking local folk to get snapping, baking, crafting and growing in time for the annual Summer Show on Saturday 16 August. There are no less than 74 categories that everyone can get involved in – from children to grandparents – and everyone is encouraged to take part. The Summer Show schedule can be downloaded from www.bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk or for more information contact info@bishamptongardeningclub.org.uk or telephone Pete Chamberlain for details on 01386 861438.