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Tropical gardens in aid of hospice
Neighbours who have raised more than £10,800 for Cransley Hospice are once again opening their gardens to the public in aid of the charity.
Residents in St Peter's Avenue, Rushden, started holding an open garden event seven years ago in memory of their neighbour Rob Kay, who was cared for at Cransley Hospice.
This year, the gardeners who kicked off the fundraiser, Colin Baines and Michael Lawrence, will again open their tropical garden at 23 St Peter's Avenue, while Lynne and Louis Olivera will open their Mediterranean garden at number 37 and Chris and Teresa Hill will open their oriental garden at number 22a.
Neighbour Alison Hill, who is involved with the event, said: "When Colin and Michael first opened their garden, it was a small way of saying thank you to the staff who had cared for Rob.
"But their garden is no ordinary garden – it's as if a small part of the tropics has been picked up and planted in the middle of Rushden.
"There's an old saying things come in threes and the open gardens are no exception. Over the years the project has created a community spirit with neighbours and friends donating time to help."
Mr and Mrs Olivera's garden is inspired by Gilbraltar where Mr Olivera grew up and was runner-up in the Landsend national competition judged by Adam Frost and Nick Hamilton, brother of the late television gardener Geoff Hamilton.
Mr and Mrs Hill will be opening their garden for the first time this year, which has hidden water features and statues.
The gardens will be open on August 21 and 22 from midday to 5pm.
Admission is 3 but accompanied under-16s get in free. Cream teas and cakes will be available along with a large selection of plants from the garden.
On the Sunday from midday to 2pm BBC Radio Northampton's Johnnie Amos will broadcast his weekly programme, The Green Welly Show, from the street.
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Thursday 09 February 2012
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