For over a century Shere has been hailed as the jewel in the crown of the Surrey Hills. Set at the foot of the North Downs between Guildford and Dorking, this pretty village offers great architecture from wonky little Tudor cottages and Lutyens lodges to more than its fair share of manors and mills. Historically it has been called home by many artists and now with a population of about a thousand it is a popular destination for walkers, cyclists and tourist who take advantage of the many pubs, tea shops, eclectic gift shops and its famous ice cream parlour.

For one afternoon in June, a number of the private gardens in Shere open their gates and welcome visitors, all in the name of charity.The first Shere Open Gardens day was back in 1978 when, with the village hall in disrepair, the villagers came together to raise money for its refurbishment - it did not take long for them to work out a suitable event. Nourished by alluvial soil and watered by the Tillingbourne that meanders through village centre, Shere gardens have a ready

advantage. The variety on offer together with their close proximity to each other helps the event work so well that this year is the 37th anniversary of Shere Open Gardens and now many local causes benefit from the funds raised.

This year there will be about 20 gardens to see, from sheltered courtyards full of spectacular flowering pots and containers or classic colourful cottage gardens festooned with roses, poppies and lupins in the heart of the village, to a great selection of larger elegantly landscaped gardens with sculptured planting and verdant lawns, just beyond. The river makes its presence in many of the gardens either as a backdrop or the focal point. There are two spectacular water

gardens to be visited: The Old Netley Mill dates from the 1840s, but there was a mill on this spot since the Domesday and in 2001 it was converted into a beautiful home. More recently the mill pond has been transformed into a stunning lake with whimsical boat house and a little ‘wild’ island in the middle; the banks are lined with reeds, grasses and giant gunnera, while a new, low ‘wobbly’ bridge is the perfect viewing platform for the restored water wheel cogs. Next door Netley House has diverted part of the Tillingbourne to create a winding network of waterways crossed by bridges, paths and decks and bordered by lush foliage offering a calm, cool place to wander if it is hot day.

The picture-perfect allotments on the bank of the river in the heart of the village display abundant vegetable plots and vibrant cutting beds of the most vivid delphiniums, phlox, and canterbury bells, flanked by manicured grass paths. During the afternoon a couple of the keenest allotment holders will share their knowledge with an informal over-the-wall gardeners’ question time. There will also be a good choice of refreshment on offer: the Cricket Club is running a Pimms Stall and the village school mums are serving the teas, with a great selection of homemade cakes, in the Village Hall.The funds raised by the event are split between about 17 local causes aimed at all ages and stages in the community, from the Toddler Group and Village Nursery to the Pensioner’s Christmas Party and the local Veterans (of which there are still three!).

Event:  Shere Open Gardens

Location:  Shere, off A25 half way between Guildford and Dorking

Date: Sunday 28th June 2015

Time: 2pm – 6pm

Parking: provided (well signposted)

Refreshment: Teas served in the Village Hall

Entry: Adults: £6; Over 60: £5; Children under 16: FREE.  (Tickets are available at the village hall and selected gardens, ask parking attendants for the nearest point).