Hidden Gardens event raises £18,000 for St Nicholas Hospice Care

Crowds gathered in Bury St Edmunds on Sunday to uncover the town's potting and planting secrets at its Hidden Gardens event.

The annual event, in aid of St Nicholas Hospice Care, saw 30 gardens open to members of the public, allowing them to discover and admire patios, vegetable patches, borders and shrubs which are usually hidden from view. Some gardens also offered refreshments and played music to entertain visitors.

Miranda McCoy, St Nicholas Hospice Care community fundraiser, said: “We are simply thrilled with the sheer numbers of visitors we had on the day –we even ran out of programmes. Thank you to the One Bull for their help photocopying maps.

"It was a fabulous day and the whole town was buzzing as so many people made their way around the Hidden Gardens enjoying lots of the beautiful gardens usually shielded from view. We have received lots of lovely compliments and positive feedback."

In its 32nd year, the event raised around £18,000 for the hospice, continuing the success of previous years which together have raised more than £300,000.

"We are very grateful to everyone who helps to make this event possible, the visitors and especially all of the dedicated gardeners, who not only give their time on the day but spent hours preparing and making sure their gardens were in tip-top shape. Also, our many brilliant volunteers who lend a hand on the day, and the event’s sponsors Gross and Co. and Bedfords," said Miranda.

“Without the money raised by community events like Hidden Gardens and the generous support we receive we would not be able to continue the work we do across the community, supporting those in our care.”

• For more pictures, see this week's Bury Free Press newspaper.