Despite bursts of showers nothing could put a damper on the Bramshott Open Gardens (BOG) charity event. Attendees were treated to a special appearance by Sandi Toksvig, the self-proclaimed garden enthusiast delighted the crowd with amusing jokes and tales before opening the event.

“I am so impressed by what's happening here. I'm so impressed by all the money that is raised by the community spirit and by the fact that money will go to cancer care, to palliative care, to the food bank, to education.” Sandi said.

“I am currently rewilding 40 acres of ancient woodland and every time I called out the people to come and do this it cost £500. So I went on a chainsaw course, if you need me I have discovered a passion for chainsawing.”

Sandi then proceeded to cut the ribbon to much cheer and the ringing of the town crier bell, before helping show off locally designed postcards.

Sandi helps show off the locally designed postcards with the event's chair Fiona Grist
Sandi helps show off the locally designed postcards with the event's chair Fiona Grist (Michelle Monaghan)
Gardeners spend months getting the gardens looking their best for the event
Gardeners spend months getting the gardens looking their best for the event (Michelle Monaghan)

Speaking to The Herald, Sandi said: “I love to be part of a local community, and I think it's really important. I have also become mad about gardening and anything to do with nature. I'm currently in the process of rewilding 40 acres of ancient woodland.

“I'm a grandmother of three with one on the way and it's not just for me. It's for the next generation, so we're busy planting new trees. I'll never see them come to full fruition, and I'm fine with that.

“It is good for us to be out in nature. It's good for us to be out looking for each other, having a cup of tea together and not looking at a screen just for a change.”

Orange princess lillies
Orange princess lillies (Michelle Monaghan)

This year’s event featured 24 gardens throughout the village, accessible on foot or by shuttle bus. From avid green-thumbs to nature lovers, the gardens had something for everyone in spectacular displays of colour and beauty.

The notable sunken lanes provided a scenic route to each location where you could find roses, azaleas, princess lillies, agapanthus and more. Hidden gnomes were amongst the gardens, giving visitors an opportunity to be Sherlock Gnomes and win a prize. 

Local residents opened up their home gardens
Local residents opened up their home gardens (Michelle Monaghan)

Classic cars were on display, a tombola was on offer, with tea and refreshments including a bar and BBQ. Bramshott poet Angela Glass was selling copies of her new book titled The Wrinkled Prune. The book has poems about the village and all sales went toward the proceeds. 

BOG is a volunteer-run event every two years and raises money for local charities and projects. Listen to Sandi’s full interview online at Shine Radio.

There were a variety of flowers in all colours, shapes and sizes
There were a variety of flowers in all colours, shapes and sizes (Michelle Monaghan)