SOUTH Petherwin held its annual Great Garden Trail on Sunday, July 11 in aid of both the Children's Hospice South West Precious Lives Appeal and the George Appeal.

First stop for most people was the chapel hall where there were model gardens done by pupils from the local school and some art work. There was also an exhibition of tapestry, quilting, patchwork, and knitting — the very high standard of work was incredible.

Next stop was the local primary school where perhaps the most intriguing area was the line of willow sticks in the form of a fence. Then on to the village hall where the emphasis was on wood, and included wonderful items ranging from bowls to walking sticks!

An inspection of a village allotment followed, where vegetables and flowers were very prolific, and a line of sunflowers attracted at lot of attention.

Eight gardens, including four new ones, were on show this year, and directions to each one were made very clear by 'sign posts' made by the school pupils. Each garden was interesting, delightful, different and this year all fairly close to one another — but there was a bus available to get people up the one and only hill! Perhaps it should be noted that one garden owner was 92!

After going round the gardens, and with the threat of rain from the dark clouds above, everyone had a thirst and descended on the tea venue where refreshments were available, including strawberries and cream. Four duck races were provided whilst people were having something to eat and drink, and the lucky winners won a money prize.

So ended a great afternoon — the rain never materialised, the gardens were beautiful, people came from far and wide to join in, and it was a wonderful time to chat with old and new friends. Everyone went home, tired perhaps but not hungry, having had a super afternoon and with the resolve to do something more with their own gardens.

A trail spokesperson said: "Thanks go to everyone who supported the event, organised it all, helped with refreshments, opened their gardens, and assisted in any way. About 200 people came along, and around £1,300 was collected for the two appeals — a tremendous result to a tremendous afternoon!"