On Saturday 10th & Sunday 11th June Chawton’s biennial Open Gardens and Scarecrow Competition & Trail will make a welcome return. It is one of many events being held across the county this year to help mark the 200th anniversary of the death of Jane Austen.
Why not join us and walk in the footsteps of Jane Austen? The grounds of both Chawton House Library & Jane Austen’s House Museum will open as well as up to 10 other charming village gardens.
“The village always looks forward to welcoming garden lovers of all ages, there really is a garden for everyone, from the beautiful grounds of Chawton House Library & Jane Austen’s own garden to the smaller cottage gardens and allotments,” says resident Martin Kitching, whose cottage garden will be open over the weekend. “It’s a real team effort with all the community getting involved”.
Following the success in 2015 of the first Chawton Scarecrow Competition & Trail during the Open Gardens weekend the 2017 Scarecrow Competition theme is “Horrible Histories”. This competition is open to all local families & children, groups, organisations & businesses, competition entry is free. For full details about the competition email: gochawton@gmail.com Then come along and find the scarecrows around Chawton by following the scarecrow trail during the Open Gardens. You can even vote for your favourite scarecrow in the “Peoples Choices” category.
Other attractions over the weekend will include a local Arts & Crafts exhibition at Chawton Primary School, horse & carriage rides around the village, plant stalls and afternoon teas.
Gardens will be open from 1:00 – 5:00pm. Tickets cost £5.00 per adult and children accompanied by an adult go free; and include entry to all the gardens. The Scarecrow Trail sheets cost £1.00 each; all completed trail sheets will receive a prize.
If you require further information about the Open Gardens or the Scarecrow Competition & Trail, please email: gochawton@gmail.com
