Written by Diana Fawcus, Churchwarden of St Mary’s Church, Flowton.
We think that the first Flowton Open Gardens took place for 2 days at the end of June, 2000 – what better way to celebrate the millennium and the joy of living in this peaceful corner of rural Suffolk than to share our gardens.
The gardens were combined with wonderful themed Flower Festivals in the church with displays in the vestry of historical memorabilia, and some years, wildlife photography, others displays of doll’s houses, another year wonderful quilts.
Some years saw a scarecrow in every garden with a prize for the best, other years a treasure hunt for children. Pet rabbits, bantams, stalls for plants, chutneys and preserves, cakes books and cards were to be found and croquet to be played. More recently Vintage military vehicles were on display and our Flowton Egg packing station to be experienced.
Teas, coffees (20 pints of milk, 200 T bags!), flapjacks, lunches and cream teas were served. Ice creams and soft drinks were offered in some gardens.
Much care was taken in the preparation of the 12 or so gardens, to enable them to look their best, which they certainly did. The lanes were carefully cleared of litter on our walks. Hand drawn maps of footpaths guided those who wished to link some of the outlying gardens by foot. Nick’s signs pointed the public to Flowton, the last one saying “you are nearly there!” And my goodness they came, in their droves from far and wide Many commented on the friendliness of the ‘Flowtonites’ and the beauty of our corner of Suffolk.
The proceeds went to the Fabric Fund to maintain the beautiful Grade 1 listed Church, as well as FIND (Families in Need), our local Ipswich food and furniture bank which provides crucial support to many local families and individuals in need.
This is our major fund raising event.
The first Open Garden event was such a success that we continued to open our gardens every 4 or 5 years till 2019. And we hope to do so in the future, as long as we can still offer the public the untainted countryside they would expect to see.