KEEN horticulturalists in West Swindon are hoping the glorious sunshine of the past few days will encourage people to pay a visit to their gardens this weekend and help raise cash for two local youth causes.

The open gardens event has raised nearly £30,000 for charity since it was first held in 2002 and this year will be giving the proceeds to the Children’s Cancer and Leukaemia Movement and SMASH – Swindon Youth Mentoring.

Organiser Kevin Fisher said: “Each year we get hundreds of visitors to the participating gardens and as a result raise many hundreds of pounds for local charities.

“People that visit the open gardens do so for many reasons - some to get inspiration for their own projects and others simply for the great community feel of the event.

“But it is not just the visitors that benefit, those of us that participate by opening our gardens also receive many tips and ideas from visitors and enjoy the social value the event has to offer.”

He said: “We get over £300 people every year visiting, which for an open gardens event is quite a lot of people.”

Twelve gardens in the area are opening their gates, in Worlidge Drive, Old Shaw Lane, Cavie Close, The Bramptons and The Elms. The garden at Lower Shaw Farm will also be open.

“Even if gardening is not your cup of tea – come along anyway and enjoy the fresh air, the gardens, the raffle, the tombola, perhaps buy some plants or some homemade cake and yes, have a cup of tea,” added Kevin.

Supported by Lower Shaw Farm, the programme runs between 11am and 5 pm on Saturday and Sunday and tickets costing £4 for adults are available from participating gardens or the farm. Accompanied under 17s are admitted free.

The SMASH youth project provides vulnerable teenagers in the Swindon area with support and guidance through a mentoring scheme with the aim of helping them to try new experiences, achieve their goals and build self-confidence.

CALM is run by parents whose children have suffered cancer. It helps families who have children being treated at the Great Western Hospital by providing grants to help with expenses like travelling, accommodation and parking. The charity also offers emotional support, runs fun days and funds research into childhood cancers.

For a full list of gardens and information about the Open Gardens national directory visit shawresidents.org.uk/opengardens/