A COUNTY organiser of the National Garden Scheme has revealed that Dunmow s gardens raised close to �9000 for charity. Six gardens from in and around the area were selected as part of the NGS summer-long open garden season. Between them the six gardens op

A COUNTY organiser of the National Garden Scheme has revealed that Dunmow's gardens raised close to �9000 for charity.

Six gardens from in and around the area were selected as part of the NGS summer-long open garden season.

Between them the six gardens opened for a total of 16 days and welcomed over 2000 visitors - also raising an enormous amount of cash for charity.

NGS county organiser for Essex, Susan Copeland, said: "There were six superb NGS gardens and what a treat it was for garden lovers.

"Thanks must go to the garden owners who put in so much hard work and have such expertise, and to all 2000 visitors for without them we would not be able to raise so much money for charity.

"I would also like to thank the Dunmow Broadcast for supporting the NGS by telling readers about our open garden events."

Three of the gardens - Snares Hill Cottage in Duck End, North End Place near Felsted and The Granary at Great Easton - were opened for the very first time.

The other three - 19 Brookfields and St Helens in Stebbing, and Church Cottage in Little Easton - remained firm favourites with visitors.

"I am often asked what my favourite garden is and I really cannot say because they are all so different. I have seen them all and there have been many highlights," added Mrs Copeland.

"It has been a wonderful year and the good news is that all six gardens will be opening their garden gates for charity again in 2010."

Liz and Pete Stabler of Snares Hill Cottage opened their garden twice. Liz said: "It has been a delight to share the garden with other people and to raise money for such a good cause."

Claire and Richard Benbrook of North End place have opened three times. Claire said: "It has been hard work but very rewarding opening the garden for the NGS this year. I feel proud to be listed in 'The Yellow Book' and to have raised so much money for charity.

"I'll be glad of the rest now before it all starts again next year."

The NGS supports national nursing, caring and gardening charities, in particular Macmillan Cancer Support, Marie Curie Cancer Care, Help the Hospices and Crossroads-Caring for Carers. In Essex alone, organisers are expecting to exceed this year's target of �75,000.

In March 2010 the NGS Essex County Booklet will be available free from libraries, tourist information centres and some garden centres, or by contacting Susan Copeland at susan.copeland2@btinternet.com

It will have full details of all the Essex opening dates of every garden, a map, comprehensive descriptions of each garden and directions.

For more information about NGS visit www.ngs.org.uk