Gardens opening in Ludlow

Ludlow will bloom with its annual open gardens event in July.

With eight gardens open to the public in Mill Street, Dinham, Broad Street and Lower Broad Street, this year’s event takes place from 12noon to 6pm on July 29.

Visitors can enjoy the garden of the High Sheriff of Shropshire, Rhoderick Swire, where the Cottage Herbery, winners of the Chelsea Gold Medal, will be selling a wide range of herbs.

Mr Swire’s great grandfather, William Swire, CBE JP was also High Sheriff of Shropshire in 1915 and county director of the Red Cross during the First World War.

Tea and homemade cakes will be available in the walled garden at 22 Mill Street.

Here Mynd Hardy Plants will be donating 10 per cent of their takings to the Red Cross.

Michael Marriott, technical manager and senior rosarian at David Austin Roses, will have a question and answer session from 3.45pm to 4.45pm.

He said: “I am very much looking forward to being the resident plant specialist on the day and supporting the excellent work that the Red Cross does in Shropshire.

"I will be very happy to answer any questions on roses be they how best to look after them, best variety choice or indeed anything else rose related.”

There will be a Prosecco and Nibbles Bar at 45, Dinham.

Debra Tritton, president of the British Red Cross in Shropshire, said: “I would like to thank all the generous people whose kindness helped us raise almost £3,700 in 2017.

“The money we raise this year will help us support people in crisis in Shropshire by funding Red Cross services including support at home after a stay in hospital, wheelchair loans and transport to medical appointments – as well as first aid training and cover at events, and support during emergencies like floods or severe weather.”

Tickets are available in advance and on the day at £6.50.

For more information, contact Caroline Savage on 07738 340581 or csavage@redcross.org.uk.