🌸 Thetford Open Gardens – A Celebration of Community, Creativity, and Care 🌸Sunday 22nd June 2025

They said it couldn’t be done. That visiting all 28 open gardens in Thetford in one day was a task for the overly ambitious, or the slightly mad. And maybe they were right… because my husband (the ever-supportive Consort) and I did just that. Mad? Perhaps. Proud? Absolutely.

We began at 10:30 AM, armed with curiosity and plenty of water. We didn’t stop until 4:55 PM when we finally visited the 28th garden, a personal marathon; yes, but also a heartfelt journey through the soul of Thetford.

Every garden had its own unique magic. How amazing and blessed we are to call Thetford our home. Behind many ordinary-looking front doors were literal hidden oases vibrant, lush, lovingly tended spaces filled with stories, surprises, and serenity. From whimsical winding paths to manicured flower beds, from vegetable patches bursting with colour to peaceful ponds and gently trickling garden streams, it was a sensory experience like no other.

But it wasn’t just about the beauty. It was about purpose. Each garden felt like a sanctuary not just for visitors, but for wildlife too. We saw carefully crafted havens for birds, buzzing bee-friendly plants in bloom, and clever little corners where hedgehogs, butterflies, and other local creatures could rest and thrive. In some gardens, families had taken the time to build birdhouses, insect hotels, and water features that supported nature’s smallest, yet most important, members.

It was heartening to see the way people and nature lived in harmony in these spaces. These weren’t just gardens they were living, breathing examples of stewardship, kindness, and community action, all to support St Nicholas Hospice Care.

We were greeted not just with open gates, but with open hearts. We shared cakes, tea, lemonade, and laughter. We heard stories about how each garden grew, not just from soil, but from love, legacy, and sometimes even grief. These gardens were filled with meaning.

Throughout the day, we ran into many familiar faces, neighbours, volunteers, fellow garden-lovers and made new friends too. Some residents used this opportunity to raise important concerns, which I deeply appreciate. Community is about celebration, but also about listening and learning, and today offered all of that.

The weather couldn’t have been kinder, sunny, but with just enough breeze to trick us into forgetting the scorchers we had earlier in the week. My poor husband, with his snow-white skin, wasn't so lucky and is now nursing a rather impressive sunburn! But he’ll be the first to tell you; it was worth every minute.

To those who didn’t attend; I urge you, please, mark your calendars for Sunday, 28th June 2026. It will be the 20th anniversary of Thetford Open Gardens a milestone not just for the event, but for the community spirit that fuels it.

In a world that can feel busy, uncertain, and often disconnected, today reminded me and I hope many of you that there is magic in simplicity, and healing in nature. That behind quiet streets and modest homes are people doing incredible things. That when we come together for a cause like St Nicholas Hospice Care, we do more than just raise funds we raise hope.

To every gardener, baker, volunteer, and visitor; thank you, you made today unforgettable, and to me, you’re all winners because you gave a piece of yourselves to make Thetford bloom.

With heartfelt thanks and pride to represent you all this year,

Cllr. Carla Barreto

Mayor of Thetford