History of Eye Open Gardens

40 years on and still going strong

In 1979 Lady Flaxman, who lived in Church Street, had the idea opening some Gardens in Eye – to begin with the Gardens opened only on a Sunday, however, by 1982 they opened on Saturday and Sunday.

In that year there were thirteen Gardens Open situated in Lambseth and Church Streets. Over the years the event has grown and continues to do so not only does it raise money to support the ancient monument – the Church of St Peter and Paul but is a good opportunity for Eye to show what a great place Eye is – in 2018 thirty Gardens were Open plus the immaculate and much admired allotments – a vintage bus to take visitors around – the Town Hall is a hub of activity serving vintage afternoon teas, plant stall, trade stalls, bric a brac and Tombola. On Sunday three of the Gardens serve Teas and one Ice Cream.

2024

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2024

24 Gardens and Allotments opened.

The Open Gardens weekend is always a special event for Eye, and 2024 was no exception. Blessed with good weather, visitors were able to enjoy twenty-four gardens, including the Primary School and the Allotments. A charming vintage bus was on hand throughout the weekend, offering transport between the gardens.

Teas were served at the Church, two of the gardens, and the Town Hall, where visitors could also browse a selection of plants, bird tables, tombola prizes, and garden paraphernalia. The newly painted Church provided a beautiful backdrop for the Flower Arrangement Competition, adding further colour and elegance to the occasion.

It was a weekend of warmth, beauty, and community spirit — two afternoons full of interest and delight for the many visitors to Eye.

Kind regards
Christine Bird

Organiser, Eye Open Gardens

2023

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2023

20 Gardens and Allotments opened.

The summer weather provided a wonderful backdrop to the 20 gardens that opened and gave well over 400 visitors an enjoyable trip to Eye – with not only the gardens to visit but also the spectacular Church which hosted floral displays – an opportunity to sample delicious teas, buy plants, bric a brac or sit and enjoy the warmth with an ice cream.

Kind regards
Christine Bird

Organiser, Eye Open Gardens

2022

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2022

15 Gardens and Allotments opened.

In the warm sunshine, Eye Open Gardens was well attended by visitors from a wide area. Everyone enjoyed the 15 Gardens, Teas, Bric a Brac, Plants and Tombolas and the sum raised, before any expenses, was £4.000……Grateful thanks to all those who opened their gardens and to all those who helped in any way to make the weekend such a great success.

2019

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2019

Over 25 Gardens and Allotments opened.

2019 was our 40th anniversary and it was another very successful year for our fundraising for the Eye Church Development Appeal.

This year, with the incredible support of all our visitors, we raised over £5000 which will now go towards the refurbishment and repair of the church clock. As ever, we are truly grateful to all those who come to the small town of Eye over the course of the weekend and make this event so special. It is a firm fixture in the Eye Town calendar and our preparations are already in hand for next year!

Weekend attractions included; Instant Sunshine, Vintage Bus ride, Allotments, Mini Scarecrow Competition, Vintage Teas, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola and Open air art exhibition.

2018

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2018

Over 25 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Marham Bluebirds Military Wives Choir, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Vintage Teas, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola and Art Exhibition.

2017

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2017

Over 25 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Scott Brothers Duo Performing in concert, Nick Robinson, BBC Radio 4 in conversation, Lady Jane Wellesley on Waterloo, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac and Tombola.

2016

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2016

Over 30 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac and Tombola.

2015

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2015

Over 30 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac and Tombola.

2014

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2015

Over 25 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola and the Fire Station will be open Saturday for Teas.

2013

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2015

Over 20 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola and the Fire Station will be open Saturday for Teas.

2012

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2015

Over 30 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac, Tombola and Art Exhibition in the Dove Hall.

2011

Eye, SUFFOLK Open gardens 2015

Over 25 Gardens and Allotments opened.

Weekend attractions included; Concert in Eye Church, Vintage Bus ride, Storytelling, Allotments, Scarecrow Competition, Bric-a-Brac and Tombola.