Leek Life May/June 2014 | Page 36

OPEN GARDENS the event and which are open to the public to go into visit. Welcoming guests to have a nosy around what is usually kept behind people’s closed doors will be a vast array of different types of gardens featuring everything from colourful window boxes to acres of manicured lawns, the standard really is exceptional. Along with the participating gardens, there will be a scarecrow competition running in the village for anyone to take part in. Prizes for the best creations will be up for grabs judged by an impartial adjudicator. The theme for the competition will be ‘nursery rhymes and fairytales’ which is sure to brighten up the village with some interesting and colourful characters that will no doubt be springing up around the place. This is a real chance for residents to get involved and get creative. Tim and Amanda of The Hollies, which has in previous years opened as part of The National Gardens Scheme, will again be showing their support by not only opening their garden but will be providing refreshments to buy including clotted cream scones and tea as well as holding a plant stall to help raise funds. The event, which from small beginnings has blossomed into this wonderful community event over the past 20 years, attracts people from all over the country as well as locally taking place on the same weekend each year. Don’t miss the chance to steal some green fingered inspiration from people’s real life gardens this summer, take in a spot >> Scoop Purchase Shanghai Bedstead Traditional style bed. Cream Finish with crystal finials. King Size £199.95 Mattress extra Unit 1 Westmill Street, Hanley, Stoke on Trent ST1 3EL Telephone Sales Hotline 01782 287813 Find us on Facebook 36 Leek Life May/June 2014 >> “ Taking place on Saturday and Sunday 12th and 13th July, 12 varying gardens in and around the village will be opening up for the public to peruse and enjoy from 2pm until 6pm on both days