Preparations are in place for a garden opening which has become a permanent fixture in a Suffolk village’s calendar.
Jane Bastow, is to once again open her garden to celebrate the 90th anniversary of the National Gardens Scheme.
The 57-year-old has been holding events at her home at The Laburnums in St James South Elmham for more than 15 years.
This will be the fifth time she has opened her garden for the National Gardens Scheme who raise money for a number of charities.
Mrs Bastow said: “I really enjoy running these events. My hobby is plant growing and I am very pleased with the turnouts we have had in the past and helping to raise money for the National Gardens Scheme.
“It is a lot of pressure as my garden has to be spot on and you have to put the food and drinks on offer but we will be open whatever the weather.
“At this time of year the hellebores and daffodils are lovely and the garden is very colourful and we got lots of wildlife including woodpeckers, ducks, pheasants and more who come here and don’t get affected by the attendees.”
It started out as a village coffee morning more than 15 years ago, and now the opening of Jane Bastow’s garden is a permanent fixture on the calendar.
The 56-year-old, moved to St James South Elmham 23 years ago with her husband.
However 18 months after they had settled into their new home he passed away and it was suggested Mrs Bastow hold a coffee morning to give her something to focus on.
Since then the event has snowballed into Mrs Bastow opening her garden twice a year with stalls and live music, all in the name of charity.
On Sunday April 2, the event will run from 11am to 5pm with adult admission at £4.50 and children go free.
Refreshments, cakes and hot soup will be available and there will also be a plant stall. Parking is available at the village hall.
She will also open her garden on May 13 between 10am and 5pm.
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