WOW, what a super safari, wonderful weather and the village bustling with several hundred kindred spirits seeking out the 21 gardens open over the weekend of this year’s Horsell Garden Safari, writes Ann Tilbury. 

Now in its 21st year, this ever-more-popular event appeals to every level of gardener seeking ideas, advice and plants or simply anyone wanting an enjoyable day out with exercise.

There were four new gardens to the scheme, ranging from the meticulously designed to the developed over many years. 

All have something to offer the visitor who can view gardens large or small, natural or designed, native or exotic, all with fabulous variety and with the stamp of the owner on them. Stand and discuss or sit and chat over a cup of tea and a slice of cake… there’s a place for every approach.

Many of the gardens showed how they could be used as an extension to the home, with the natural areas sandwiched between the house itself and a garden room or pergola. 

Inventive uses of recycled items to add interest could be seen in many gardens. 

Turnstiles, old windows, reclaimed stonework and containers made of paddling pools, old sinks and washing-up bowls were on view.

A Mediterranean garden showed how a lush setting could be produced using minimal water.

Elsewhere, a Volkswagen camper van looked comfortably at home in its own garden. 

A number of narrow gardens showed how effective use of space by dividing the garden into a series of reveals added to the interest and beauty.

Larger gardens showcased the effective use of planting and colour to give a more panoramic effect. 

Also evident was a trend towards using garden space for fruit and vegetables and play and chickens, all set within a horticultural landscape.

Each year, the proceeds are donated to a local charity. Last year it was the Woking Foodbank and this year most of the money raised will be donated to the Woking & Sam Beare Hospice, which cared for Gail Bromley, one of the original organisers and a guiding light of the Safari over its lifetime. Gail died in the hospice in May. 

A plant sale organised by Jon Allan across the weekend on behalf of the Friends of Woking Community Hospital (FWCH) raised £1,610, even better than last year. Over the two days, compost, herbs, hostas, hanging baskets and shrubs almost sold out. FWCH would like to thank all the suppliers who helped again this year, including The Compost Centre, Wickes, R&G Fresh Herbs, Longacres, Stafford Lake Nurseries and Tenacres.

Attention now turns to next year’s Safari which, as usual,  will be supported by local firms Seymours, Hamlyns and Victoria Clinic to help provide a successful weekend of enjoyment.