Berden gets ready to bloom for garden visitors

Berden, a previous winner of Essex small village of the year, will be opening its gardens to visitors on Sunday, June 26 from 1pm to 6pm.

Event organiser John Tippet said "This is the third time we have run an open gardens event and we are really looking forward to it. In 2017 and 2019 we had lots of people who came and discovered our beautiful village and enjoyed the open gardens, helping raise over £1,500 for the local church and village hall.

"Sadly, due to Covid, we could not run the event last year as planned – but we are delighted to be back in 2022.

"This year we have at least eight gardens open, each with their own individual colour and character. Enjoy sweeping lawns and stunning countryside views, water features, beautiful flowers and borders and vegetables too."

A passport to visit participating gardens costs £5, with entry free for children. Visitors can also enjoy Berden's 17th-century, working, water mill at Berden Priory and St Nicholas, its 13th-century parish church, where there will also be live music performances. Refreshments, information on beekeeping and a selection of plants will also be available.

John said: "We have a fun quiz for children and adults and we are delighted to be able to invite you to explore woodland walks on a six-acre site and feed the chickens at Park Green.

"It's going to be a great day, come rain or shine the gardens will be open, and we look forward to welcoming everyone."

Passports are available from the free car park at CM23 1AY and any participating garden.