What is it actually like to open your garden to the public for the first time?

We talked to Chris Steed, to find out why he decided to throw open his garden gate for The Sussex Beacon, and how he found his first ever Garden Gadabout.

“Having an opening date to aim for gave me real motivation, the perfect excuse to get my garden finished and ready. Initially I was a bit apprehensive as I’d never opened my garden before, but I needn’t have worried. It was so laid back and I got to meet some lovely people who I would never have met otherwise. Friends helped out which made it even more special, it was a bit like having a party! I genuinely loved every single minute. The moment that made it for me was when two people looking around my garden just said Wow! 

I gained enormous satisfaction raising money for such an important local cause. Benefitting others by sharing something I genuinely love to do was a great feeling.  Every penny I raised gave me a huge sense of satisfaction and I’m already gathering loads of ideas for next year, thinking of even more ways to raise funds.  Opening my garden was an inspiration and a joy, and I would encourage anybody out there who is wondering whether to do it or not to just go for it. 2012 will be my third year of opening my garden and I am now a trail leader. I am so proud to be continuing to support such a great cause-and loving opening my garden too of course!”

We also talked to Jan Curry who opened her stunning garden on Richmond Road, Brighton -part of the Roundhill trail. Many of Jan’s Gadabout visitors returned after their initial visit to bring their friends, or just to rediscover this magical space for themselves. As she looked forward to the 2010 Gadabout Jan said” “People are always amazed by our garden. I don’t like to give too much away because I like to see the looks of delight on their faces when they come here. As well as the Best Wildlife Garden award, we were also featured in the BBC’s 2003 Chelsea Flower Show programme. It’s a multi-level garden, with lots of wildlife features despite being in the middle of a city and it’s full of surprises - that’s all I want to say! But it will be of interest to all sorts of different gardeners.

“I’m very fortunate to have such a great space, I guess. I feel very privileged to have this land in the middle of a city and am privileged to share it. I’m not a professional by any means, but I’m very enthusiastic and gardening runs in the family. One thing I love about the Gadabout is that I have met lots of gardening addicts and can share tips and learn loads. And of course, it is raising money for a very good cause.”