A GARDEN created by a Kingskerswell couple is to feature in this year’s Rowcroft Hospice Open Gardens programme.

Peter and Angela Blakesley’s ‘Two Pips’ on Fluder Hill, is one of a list of stunning gardens in Teignbridge taking part in the 2024 Open Gardens event. 

Angela said: ‘Two Pips was designed and built by my husband and I six years ago.

‘We are very much novice gardeners, but we know what we like, and we set out from ‘scratch’ planting everything in the garden. 

‘This was mostly with success, but the garden keeps evolving, and looks slightly different each year as we continue to learn. 

‘My husband and I have been long-term supporters of the invaluable work that Rowcroft delivers. 

‘We’ve both ran the London Marathon for Rowcroft, and my husband, who is an artist, also raised funds via Open Studios. 

‘My father was recently supported with his end-of-life journey, and we couldn’t be more honoured to be raising much-needed funds through the Open Gardens event.’

They are joined by gardens in Bovey Tracey, Buckfastleigh, Kingsteignton, Manaton and Newton Abbot. 

Gardens of all sizes, shapes and designs are involved in the event which promises to showcase some of the best green havens in South Devon. 

Building upon the success of the previous year's events, the event will include gardens with ponds and water features, orchards, fruit and veg patches, walled gardens, wildflower meadows and beehives. 

Rowcroft fundraiser Hayley Townsend said: ‘We’re so grateful to our generous, green-fingered friends for kindly agreeing to open their gardens to raise funds for the hospice.

‘There’s something for everyone - whether you want to learn more about gardening techniques, take a short stroll among colourful blooms, or simply sit and enjoy a cuppa in a glorious natural space.

‘The gardens all have something unique for visitors to enjoy, and we encourage everyone to visit a garden or two in your area to support your local hospice.’

Last year Rowcroft’s Open Garden events raised enough funds for Rowcroft’s Hospice at Home service to provide specialist care to eight patients in their last two weeks of life at home. 

This year the charity is inviting anyone with a garden they would love to share with their community to take part. 

From Saturday June 8, there are nine gardens in the hamlet of Olchard near Kingsteignton taking part from noon until 5pm. 

Last year, the hamlet’s gardens raised more than £2,800 for Rowcroft. 

This year there will be a good variety from more formal to wildlife-friendly as well as a plant sale, teas and home-made cakes. 

On Sunday June 9, Rowcroft Hospice is opening its own stunning gardens in Avenue Road, Torquay, between 12pm and 4pm. There will be guided tours at 1pm and 2.30pm and there will be refreshments and cakes available at the pop-up café. 

For the full line-up of garden events see: www.rowcrofthospice.org.uk/opengardens