Clun Gardens Open Weekend 2025

DL Katherine Garnier was delighted to join Deputy Mayor Monika Jones and her family at this year’s Clun Gardens Open Weekend.  A highlight of the town’s summer calendar, the event was as joyful as ever and drew crowds from near and far.

Beneath a bright summer sun, visitors explored 15 stunning gardens in and around Clun. This year, two new gardens joined the lineup, complementing a wide range that included everything from the formal gardens in front of 17th-century almshouse to terraced hillsides brimming with plants and vegetables, shady woodland glades, orchards and colourful cottage gardens. The variety was astonishing – among the many other surprises were beautifully tended courtyard gardens, gardens where all the plants are grown in a variety of containers and even a meandering model railway.

One of the many highlights was the quintessential English garden at the Old Vicarage, where harp music floated through the air as visitors wandered around the grounds.  Meanwhile, St George’s Church was adorned with spectacular floral arrangements celebrating ‘The Magic of Music’.  In honour of Armed Forces Day, Bob Jameson, President of the Clun branch of the Royal British Legion, spent time at the church’s dedicated RBL corner – a quiet space of reflection and remembrance. 

The Clun Gardens Open event has flourished for over 40 years, taking place annually with only one break in 2020. It began modestly, with the first shows organised by Mrs Ruth Buckley, wife of the then-vicar and featured between 8 to 10 gardens. Since then, thanks to the dedication of countless volunteers, it has grown into a full weekend of celebration.   Gardeners spend months planning and preparing their gardens to the highest standard, while the tireless refreshment team ensures that on the day an endless supply of tea, cold drinks and irresistible cakes is available. The popular plant stall, brimming with both familiar favourites and exotic curiosities, is curated by a team of knowledgeable gardening enthusiasts.

Thanks to the enormous efforts of the organising committee, the weekend has grown into the success it is today. Planning for next year’s event, held  on the fourth weekend in June, begins almost immediately. While it requires considerable commitment, the rewards are many.   All proceeds support St George’s Church, but the event’s impact extends beyond fundraising. It fosters a strong sense of community and brings people together through the shared glory of the Clun gardens.

Photos of the Flowers in St George’s Church courtesy of Helen Brown