Amazin’ Straven!!

Even though the weather forecast for Saturday August 30^th was unsettled the day turned out to be a wonderful success for the Open Garden festival in Strathaven, Lanarkshire. Yes, there were some wet moments but that didn’t deter the community from visiting 12 beautiful gardens which had been meticulously prepared for the public visit.

The visitors enjoyed delicious refreshments and were able to buy wholesome garden products too. The gardens varied from a large ‘prairie’ type garden to a small cottage garden.  There was even a Japanese garden with a tea house, ‘Youkoso’, Welcome to everyone.

Garden 1

Garden 2

The Strathaven HHI team had publicised the day with beautiful posters around the town, and a map with addresses and garden descriptions was available in the local business outlets for £5. Balloons were attached to each garden gate to welcome the visitors. A steady stream of people came from near and far to admire the gardens, marvelling at the colours, the textures and the well-manicured green lawns. Donations were made and gardening tips were exchanged.

Garden 3

Garden 4

Garden 5

Garden 6

Garden 7

Garden 8

Garden 1b

Certificate of thanks

This was Strathaven’s first Open Gardens Day which has raised a total of  £2,000 for Health Help International.

Absolutely ‘amazin’ Straven’. Congratulations and a big thank you to all who supported this worthwhile cause.