Hospice hosts open days across two gardens

Gardeners Nicky Worthing and Joel Richards and volunteer Fiona McLoughlin have been busy preparing for the open day

A hospice is set to welcome visitors to two gardens across its sites as part of an open day to support their work.

Severn Hospice's garden in Apley, Shropshire, will be open between 10:00 - 16:00 BST on Sunday and their second site at Bicton on 22 June, with both gardens totalling 6.5 hectares (16 acres) in size.

Head gardener Joel Richards said that after recent rain, "the weeds have all decided to rear their heads, so we're weeding frantically" ahead of the open days.

There will also be a plant sale, Mr Richards added, with proceeds going towards supporting the charity's work.

The hospice provides free support to families across Shropshire and Mid Wales who are living with an incurable illness.

Its gardens are mainly used as a "sanctuary" for patients and families receiving care, Mr Richards said.

The hospice will open its Apley gardens on Sunday and its Bicton site later this month

"I love being able to contribute to the welfare of our users, patients and families," he said.

Managing the gardens during the summer months is "always busy" but preparing for the open day was a "special occasion, so we're doing a bit of extra polishing".

Mr Richards is supported by about 60 volunteers, who he said were the "backbone" of the operation.

"A lot of them have had experience of the care that we give," he added.

Entry to the gardens costs £3.50 and organisers will also be laying on entertainment, stalls and a barbecue.