Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice have launched their Virtual Open Gardens.
From now until Friday 31st July, this virtual event enables visitors to discover the secrets of some beautiful residential gardens by going online.
Open Gardens already has support from Matthew Pennycook, Member of Parliament for Greenwich and Woolwich who said, “In the midst of the current crisis, Greenwich and Bexley Community Hospice’s care and support are needed more than ever. I hope the community will take the time to appreciate remotely the many splendid residential gardens and also donate to the Hospice’s Emergency Appeal so that they can continue to provide outstanding specialist end of life care to families in our community”.
In June, Hospice supporters and keen gardeners would usually make their way around Greenwich and Bexley to discover the hidden gardens as part of an Open Gardens Festival organised in aid of the Hospice by trustee, Tim Barnes.
Unfortunately, like many of the Hospice’s events this year, they are unable to go ahead as planned. Instead, this year’s event has gone virtual!
Due to Covid-19, the Hospice is expecting a huge shortfall in funding. Open Gardens has been a major fundraising event for the Hospice, raising at least £12,000 each year, as well as providing much enjoyment to both garden openers and visitors.
With daily running costs totalling around £23,000, the Hospice is fighting to keep vital services going and provide their specialist palliative care and support to local families.
For the first time, visitors can explore beautiful gardens from the comfort of their home. With over 40 homemade video tours, garden owners from around Bexley, Blackheath, Charlton, Eltham and Greenwich showcase their stunning and lovingly tended gardens sharing gardening ideas and inspiration.
This virtual event has already raised over £3,000 and has attracted wide spread support from the community including Abena Oppong-Asare, Member of Parliament for Erith & Thamesmead who said: “I’m very proud to have organisations like the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice in the constituency of Erith and Thamesmead.
“The Hospice does amazing work all year round and have helped to create a stronger, more connected community during the pandemic. Virtual Open Gardens is another fantastic project that the community can enjoy.”
The hospice say they are grateful to this year’s event sponsors, Hamptons International, and those who worked so hard to put the virtual event together, as well as all the garden owners who have brought their gardens to life so beautifully on-line.
To visit the Open Gardens, go to the website here. visit The hospice are asking visitors to consider donating the entrance fee to the Hospice Emergency Appeal so they can continue to provide specialist end of life care to families in the community.
