Hundreds visit Suffolk to mark the return of Eye Open Gardens

Hundreds of people descended upon Eye this month as homeowners opened up their gardens to mark the welcome return of much-loved annual event.

Residents in the town centre, including in Castle Street, Church Street and Lambseth Street, swung open their gates to more than 500 visitors to mark the return of the first Eye Open Gardens (EOG) event in two years.

The event, held on June 11 and 12, was first set up by Church Street resident Lady Flaxman back in 1979, but had been cancelled for the past two years due to the coronavirus pandemic.

“It was a very happy occasion”, said Christine Bird, head of the EOG organising committee.

“It went very well – the weather was great, we were in the fresh air and it was a happy, relaxing day.

“We had people all the way down Church Street, queuing for tickets.

“Because we had not been able to put on the event over the past two years, there was a happy atmosphere.

“I think it was a release of being stuck inside for so long and finally having the opportunity to go out, meet people and have a chat and a laugh.

“We had people from Canada, Ukraine – it’s quite amazing where people had come from.”

In addition to strolling through the more than 24 participating gardens, visitors had the opportunity to purchase an array of plants on offer, from geraniums and penstemons to strawberry plants.

A tombola was also held, with trade stalls throughout the town, selling tea, snacks and bric-à-brac.

The event was made possible thanks to the sponsorship of a number of local businesses, including Harrison Edge Estate Agents, in Castle Street, and Susan Whymark Funeral Services, in Whymark
Way.

“I think we need to give vital thanks to them for their sponsorship, and all the volunteers who helped out to make it such a success,” added Mrs Bird.