Winter, though late and fierce in coming, is drawing to a close. This must be so as Westbourne gardens have Snowdrops, Crocuses, Muscari, Cyclamen, Primroses, Daffodils, Narcissi, Hellebores and other, rarer, species in a tumble of flowers at the beginning of Spring.
Soon you will hear the purr of lawn-mowers, the click-clack of shears or tunnelling of trowels over garden fences, walls or hedges, in increasing preparation for the anticipated highlight of the summer.
Owners of at least 17 gardens will present the triumph of their efforts on the 17th June, though the gardens are greatly varied in size, features and planting.
For children, the Westbourne fairies and elves have been working overtime to create enchanting houses to be sought out amid foliage in the gardens. There are many to be found, exotically crafted and ingeniously hidden.
Members of Westbourne’s WI will be offering refreshments in the Parish Hall and on the Rectory Lawn. Teas (bound to be delicious) will provide a hint of nostalgia at tea-time and throughout the day. In addition, there will be more substantial lunch and snacks available elsewhere in the village.
Tickets for the raffle, offering a large number of attractive and generous prizes, will be widely available on the day.
A diligent committee of village residents has been working since last September to make this event a success, so we very much hope that Westbourne will support us on the day to raise an impressive amount for local charities. (Many will remember the Event of 2015 which raised over £11,000 for local causes in a single, short day.)
