Open gardens blessed by sun

Seven Winchelsea gardens made £2,135 for the National Gardens Scheme in sales of tickets and teas when they opened last Thursday (April 9), writes Richard Comotto. The gardens that welcomed visitors were Alards, Cleveland House, Cleveland Place, King's Leap, Periteau House (pictured above), Rye View and Well House and some 440 garden enthusiasts enjoyed the first blooms of spring on a glorious afternoon. The next open garden day in Winchelsea will be on Tuesday May 5, in aid of St Michael's Hospice. Then, on Saturday June 6, 11 gardens will open for the National Gardens Scheme again. Some of these will reopen on the following Monday (June 8) in aid of Arrcc (Activities, Respite, Rehabilitation, Care Centres).