GARDENS across Barnt Green are being thrown open to the public next month to help raise money for three different charities.

Over the weekend of Saturday, July 2 and Sunday, July 3, 15 gardens will be being made open to the public, with a flower festival on display, and a number of other activities.

The open gardens have all been arranged by local residents Rachel Banner and Maureen Frowley, with the support of the local parish council and a number of local businesses, who are providing administrative support and other facilities.

The event has been organised to raise money for three local charities, Where Next, the Basement Project, and a local day centre.

Rachel, who is a former parish councillor, said: “We hope this event will bring the whole community together to raise funds for individuals with learning difficulties through the Where Next organisation, local homeless young people who rely on the Basement Project and older people who attend the local day centre that receives no statutory funding. It’s a way of having fun, sharing what we have in the village whilst helping others of all ages.”

The pair have also received help from David Morgan of the National Gardens Scheme who gave them some tips on opening their gardens to the public.

The 15 gardens involved in the open weekend are dotted at various locations around Barnt Green village, and maps will be available for visitors to make their way around all of the gardens, while there will be a flower festival in St Andrew’s Church, and an art exhibition will be on display in the Meeting House on Sandhills Road.

There will also be a second-hand bookstall in the Parish Centre, for people to visit, and a number of local shops will have displays themed around celebrating the Queen’s 90th birthday, while there will also be a ‘duck hunt’ which children will be able to take part in as they move around the different gardens.

Admission to the event will be £5 per adult, with accompanied children being admitted free.