PROUD gardeners across Bucks are being asked to open their gates to show off their carefully cut lawns and lovingly planted flowerbeds in the name of charity.

Rennie Grove Hospice Care is getting ready to launch its biennial Open Gardens scheme and is seeking gardeners across both this county and Hertfordshire who would be willing to open their gardens to the general public as part of this popular fundraising initiative.

Director of Fundraising, Gillian Barnett, explains: “We’ve been very fortunate over the years of running this initiative to have had around thirty beautiful gardens of all shapes and sizes open to the public.

“Through donations on entry and home-made cake sales we’ve been able to raise over £30,000 most years – enough to fund a nurse for 12 months. We’re delighted that many of same gardens will feature again this year – I think people enjoy seeing how their favourites have developed over the last two years – but it would be great to add some new hidden horticultural gems to the list.”

There are no strict criteria for entry to the Rennie Grove Open Gardens scheme; the charity would like to feature gardens of any size and is particularly keen to include gardens situated close together.

So if you’re garden-proud and would like to share your tips and successes whilst raising funds for hospice care in your local community, why not persuade your neighbours to get involved too?

See www.renniegrove.org/opengardens for more details or call 01442 820737.