Garden Gadabout - in aid of The Sussex Beacon

Welcome to the garden gadabout

The open garden scheme has been running for over fifteen years, starting with a few supporters opening their gardens in Brighton to this years event where over 70 gardens are throwing open their doors. Gardens in the 2009 event are spread far and wide from Shoreham to Lewes and everywhere in between. We would like the 2010 event to be even bigger so if you want to get involved please contact our Gadabout Coordinator Bridgette Saunders, email gardengadabout@sussexbeacon.org.uk

It can be quite a nerve-wracking experience opening your garden for the first time but we’ll support you every step of the way. From discussing whether to serve tea to taking photos of your garden for the Guide we’ll help you as much as you need. Trail leaders will also be on hand to offer advice and support in your local area. Help us make 2010 even bigger – get in touch now!

From our patron, Carol Klein

Carol Klein I was really excited to be asked to support the Garden Gadabout - it has become an important part of Brighton & Hove’s calendar and this year with over seventy gardens taking part it is a real celebration of all kinds of vibrant green spaces you’ll find in and around the city.

It has always been a real community event and this year is no exception with garden trails from Southwick to Seaford. What I find so exciting is the incredible diversity of gardens involved from a garden planted with dustbins (perhaps the most creative use of a bin I’ve seen yet) to packed local allotments and the iconic Royal Pavilion.

The gardens are divided into Trails, most of which you can easily walk round, and to encourage you to leave your car at home we are also giving you details about travelling by bus. You will also be able to buy tickets in advance for the Garden Gadabout, priced either £6 for one Sunday or £10 for two. Many of the gardens will be serving tea and homemade cakes so my advice is come ready to indulge yourself, and prepared to enjoy a relaxing afternoon.

I believe that gardening has real therapeutic value, it’s something that anyone can enjoy regardless of money or the size of your plot! Just being creative and green fingered can be so fulfilling. This years Gadabout reflects just how much you can do with your plot including
an exciting local school garden, valuable community plots and stunning private gardens.

This event is not just about visiting some beautiful gardens; the Garden Gadabout raises funds for the Sussex Beacon. The Sussex Beacon cares for men and women living with HIV, it’s a unique centre and plays a vital role in HIV care. Events like this help to support the charity, last year the Gadabout raised over £16,000. With your help we can beat that total this year.

Entry to gardens is via a £1 donation and all proceeds from those delicious cakes and plant sales goes to the Beacon, so the more gardens you visit and the more you take advantage of the refreshments on sale the money will be raised.

Finally I must thank everyone involved this year – from the garden owners without whom this really wouldn’t happen to our sponsors the Argus Appeal and Rushfields Plant Centre. Not forgetting the hardworking team at the Sussex Beacon.

Carol Klein signature

Gadabout Day Passes

Royal Pavilion gardens

You can buy day passes in advance to give you unlimited access to all the Gadabout Gardens, £6 for one Sunday or £10 for both.

These passes are available from The Dome Box Office either in person or by calling 01273 709709, or from The Sussex Beacon shop on St. James’ Street in Kemptown.

You can still enjoy each garden without buying aday pass, entry will be via £1 donation per garden. All donations go to The Sussex Beacon.

Take the opportunity to meet Head Gardener Robert Hill-Snook and enjoy a tour of the beautiful Grade II listed gardens at Brighton's
Royal Pavilion. After the tour there will be a question and answer session followed by tea at the Pavilion Gardens Cafe. Places for this tour are limited, so we do advise you buy tickets in advance.

Tickets are £10 and available from the Sussex Beacon shop on St James’ Street or by calling the Sussex Beacon Events Line suring office hours on 01273 645 691.