This July, gardens will open to the public all along the coast to raise funds for Macmillan
Coastal garden trail
Some of you may be familiar with the Macmillan Coastal Garden Trail, which was launched back in 2012 by Seaford gardener Geoff Stonebanks, who regularly opens his own garden at Driftwood in Bishopstone for this and other charities.
The trail raises much needed funds for the new Cancer Centre in Brighton, which was begun in February 2014.Well, so successful was the trail in 2012, that Geoff managed to persuade The One Show’s gardening presenter, Christine Walkden, to become its patron, something she will reprise in 2014. On being asked Christine said: “Opening gardens and sharing them with others is a great treat for all. It generates a sense of community, camaraderie and interest in the beauty that gardeners create.
I am thrilled to be the patron of this event for Macmillan for a second year and wish everyone a great time.”
Christine goes on to say: “There are probably umpteen better gardens down my street, but it doesn’t bother me – I’m not competitive or pretentious. I don’t want a showcase garden. It’s the relationship I have with my garden that matters.”
Geoff Stonebanks, the energy and force behind the trail, says: “Christine’s words are so true and
this is something we hope visitors will experience while seeing all the uniquely different gardens along the trail, a complete mix but gardeners who are passionate about their plots!” So follow Christine’s example and help generate that sense of community this summer and raise money for Macmillan into the bargain!
Geoff runs the Driftwood Fundraising Group, which organizes the trail and over the last 2 years has raised over £13,200 for Macmillan and a further £20,000 for other charities.
This year the 31-garden trail will start in Brighton and wind along the coast through Woodingdean, Saltdean, Telscombe, Peacehaven, Newhaven, Piddinghoe and Seaford through to Eastbourne. It will take place over the weekend of 26 and 27 July. New this year are the six distinct smaller trails through Brighton, along the coast, Newhaven, Piddinghoe, Seaford and Eastbourne.
There are many stunning gardens to see along the way, a magical garden at 22 Woodland Way, Brighton, an entrancing secret garden on the seafront at 122 Marine Parade, magical coastal gardens at 5 Old Coastguard Cottages in Newhaven, Driftwood in Seaford and a wonderful Japanese garden in Eastbourne.
Full details with maps and brochure can be found at: www.macmillangardentrail.co.uk or by calling Geoff on 01323 899296. Entry £12 for a weekend pass or £2 per garden visited, available in first garden visited.
