AROUND 150 volunteers worked flat-out to make last weekend’s (June 8 - 9) Stogumber Open Gardens a success – and were rewarded by raising £7.800.

The money will be shared between the Children’s Hospice South West and YMCA at the Beach Hotel in Minehead and repairs of St Mary’s Church, Stogumber.  

This was the 38th consecutive Stogumber Open Gardens and organiser Elaine Watson estimate it attracted around 550 people, many of whom return year after year from all over the country.

As well as 14 open gardens, ecological projects were promoted, including organic gardening, permaculture and the importance of pollinators.

General use was made of fabric Mors bags made in the solo sewing ‘pod’ by Williton resident, June McDonald.

And sculptures highlighted the appalling amounts of waste plastic collected on local beaches.

This year there were 14 gardens open, ranging from pretty courtyards to extensive gardens with unusual shrubs and trees.

There were eco-friendly gardens and walled areas with herbaceous borders and displays of alpines, and many were accessible to wheelchair users: “We were confident there was something for everyone,” said Elaine.

“The intention was for people to go away inspired, refreshed and reminded of how wondrous the natural world can be.”