A POPULAR Hidden Gardens and Sculpture trail is returning to Rodborough for a third year running this summer.
The event promises to be a visual extravaganza, with gardeners throwing open their gates to welcome garden enthusiasts and art lovers from all over the county.
Held over the weekend of June 10 and 11, organisers hope it will be an exciting addition to Stroud’s calendar of key cultural events.
The beautiful, hidden gardens are located in and around Church Place and Walkley Hill and range from the small intimate cottage style gardens to more substantial landscaped gardens reflecting the individual characters of the owners.
These include the fascinating ‘secret garden’ surrounding Rodborough Court, now owned by event sponsors Omnitrack.
The event showcases 17 sculptors, many of whom will be there to talk about their work.
Among those taking part again this year include Helen Lomberg, Amanda Moriarty, Marion Mitchell and many more.
New contributors exhibiting the work this year include Adrian Bates, Dan Rawlings, and Sebastien David.
New this year will be an exhibition of sculpture created by children in workshops at local primary schools.
These drop-in workshops for children will take place at the Rectory Gardens on Sunday, June 11 from 11am till 1pm and 3pm until 5pm.
Their artwork will then be shown in the Rectory Gardens for the event and displayed in the Walled Garden at Stroud’s Museum in the Park over the weekend of July 8 and 9 as part of Stroud Festival of Nature.
There will also be book signings by local author Katie Fforde and talks by Stroud Valleys Project on wildlife habitats for gardens.
Funding for the trail has been provided by the Summerfield Trust and Stroud Festivals.
The Old Endowed School will serve delicious homemade cakes, tea and soup, whilst outside in Church Place, numerous stalls will be selling local produce and plants. It is just one of the charities which will benefit from the event.
The other two are The Ronan Trust, a charity offering support to those who have suffered a close family bereavement, and Stroud Valleys Project, which will be on hand to give advice on wildlife habitats in the garden as part of Hidden Gardens.
The event extends to Saturday evening when The Prince Albert hosts a Garden Party with a BBQ and live acoustic music from 5pm.
Tickets are £5 per adult and free entry for children. Available in advance from Stroud Valleys Project Shop, The Prince Albert, or on the day from The Old Endowed School.
Organisers said that unfortunately access is unsuitable for those with mobility issues.
Parking is available at Stroud Rugby Football Club on Dudbridge Hill.
For more information visit their Facebook page here or go to www.rodboroughrealgardens.com/
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