Swapping bricks and mortar for flora and fauna

While designers and gardeners continue to plan for this year’s Chelsea Flower Shower – floral fans in Northamptonshire are looking forward to their own event closer to home.

This summer sees the Nassington Open Gardens event return to the village, which again will be raising funds for the church.

The biennial event was launched in 1997, and during that time dozens of local people have thrown open their gardens to hundreds of visitors – which have in turn raised thousands of pounds for Nassington Church.

Homebuilder Stamford Homes, which has a long association with Northamptonshire, will be sponsoring this year’s open gardens.

Stamford Homes very own showhome garden at the village’s Whittington’s Meadow development will be open to visitors, and joins the list of 22 gardens during the weekend of July 4/5.

The gardens offering inspiration and enjoyment to visitors far and wide will range from small cottage and courtyard gardens, to larger landscaped gardens and the village’s Prebendal Manor – which will open on the Saturday.

Stamford Homes’ sales and marketing director Peter Bond said: “This is a great opportunity for us to give something back to the local community, which stages this highly popular event to raise money for the church.

“We are very proud to be involved with the Nassington Open Gardens, and appreciate how much hard work goes into the preparing for this widely-attended event – not to mention the many keen gardeners who showcase their pride and joy.”

David Laking (Chairman Open Gardens Committee) said: “We are thrilled to have Stamford Homes on board; we recognise how well the development blends into the village and surrounding countryside and the showhome garden will be a valued contribution to the weekend”

Nassington Church will be open on both days, with displays by local groups and a range of stalls and other attractions, including refreshments and homemade cakes.

For more information, visit stamford-homes.co.uk.