In an English Country Garden: An Invitation to Steeple Ashton Open Gardens on 2nd June.
Every two years the residents of Steeple Ashton, a pretty village nestled in the Wiltshire countryside, open up a number of their gardens to the public. Some of the gardens are large and rather grand, some quintessential cottage, some are somewhere in between and all are very wildlife friendly. You can even visit a five acre privately owned meadow with a wildlife pond.
The Steeple Ashton Open Gardens event is a tradition that happens every two years with the aim of raising funds for the Preservation Trust, a charity that maintains the village’s spectacular Grade 1 listed medieval church of St Marys. This year proceeds from the event will go towards much needed roof repairs, organ pipe redecoration and helping to get the planned kitchenette, toilet facilities and meeting room project off the ground.
The fourteen gardens opening on 2nd June include the specialist Dye Garden of the Wiltshire Guild of Spinners Weavers and Dyers, the fabulous five and a half acre garden of Ashton House and a listed Dovecote courtyard garden. There are also two large gardens on the High Street that have not been open before as well as other highly individual gardens that are kept secret for the rest of the year. Children can look out for fairy folk hiding in the gardens on an enchanting folklore trail.
There will be a well stocked Plant Stall on the village green selling seedlings, cuttings, bedding, unusual perennials and shrubs at very good prices.
The Village Hall will be open for refreshments all day serving delicious homemade cakes and cream teas and at Moorcroft Farm across the lane Pimms will be served on the lawn under pergolas in another lovely garden. Nearby at the Church entrance will be a cart laden with pretty handmade flower arrangements by St Mary’s Flower Arrangers.
A Raffle will be drawn in late afternoon with prizes donated by local businesses and a special Church Tower Draw offers an exclusive opportunity to visit the bell tower and experience the amazing views from the top with a glass of champagne in hand.
The fabulous Longs Arms pub will be open all day serving local beers and lunches and the community run village shop and café will be selling ice creams, sandwiches and hot and cold drinks, alongside all your grocery requirements.
There is plenty of disabled parking available and free parking on the High Street and side streets.
Dogs are welcome on short leads and children up to the age of 16 are free.