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Twelve private gardens took part in the CVA's popular Open Garden Trail in June, some for the first time. The event was first held as part of the CVA's millennium celebrations 25 years ago. Visitors and gardeners reported that they thoroughly enjoyed the trail and the perfect dry and sunny conditions.

Visitors were invited to explore the varied gardens, talking with owners, meeting friends and neighbours and enjoying tea and home-made cakes at some stops.

The trail also included Claygate's two allotment sites, where allotment holders talked about vegetable growing, plus Holy Trinity Church's wild flower garden and the Recreation Ground garden.

The CVA warmly thanks all those who created this pleasurable social event by inviting visitors to share their gardens. Garden owners said that working in their gardens in spring was made more enjoyable with the Open Garden Trail goal to look forward to. And the CVA thanks the garden visitors for their generous donations: the event raised a whopping £1,000 for CVA funds, which is invaluable as it depends entirely on community donations to run its various events The several charities chosen by individual garden owners also benefited from visitors' donations.

The next Open Gardens event will take place in 2027 an as more people are coming forward to take part and op their gardens, the CVA will explore holding a weekend-long event. The Association would love to hear from anyone who might consider opening their garden.