Slindon gardens just as pretty in the rain

Newcomers and veterans alike shrugged off the all-day drizzle which dominated the latest staging of the village tradition on Sunday, May 6.

The attraction of seeing 25 large and small gardens – both established, new and work in progress – in the National Trust village was still enough to raise more than £1,800.

The money is being evenly split between the upkeep of 900-year-old St Mary’s Church in the village and the Action Medical Research charity.

Event co-ordinator Jill Loveless said: “The day was an amazing success when the conditions are considered.

“People were very British and just put on their waterproofs and put up their umbrellas. This was the 13th open gardens day, since we started holding them on alternative years in 1986.

“We have done better, but those were nice, sunny days.”

A history display in St Mary’s and a games garden in the rectory were added attractions.