For over fifty years the small village of Chelsworth has opened many of its gardens to the public to raise funds for the local Grade 1 listed Church. Started in 1967, with a population of less than 140, in the Brett Valley between Constable country and Lavenham, it was the first of its kind: the first to open its gardens to the public. Admission to the five gardens was half a-crown (12.5 pence) and a total of £150 was raised – helped by plant sales, and, of course, teas. Today, Open Gardens Day raises several thousand pounds. As well as wandering through more than 20 gardens with tea stops en-route, visitors can buy from specialised nurserymen, local food specialists and artisan crafts. In this picture book setting, with centuries old and timbered houses, the gardens have changed in subtle ways, prepare to be blown away with the care and loving attention that has been bestowed upon so many gardens.
