Exeter couple prepare for annual Garden Party

An Exeter couple are inviting people into their garden in May in aid of a local charity Hospiscare.

Mr and Mrs Macan will be opening their garden at Orchard House, Deepdene Park  on Saturday 24 May  between 2pm and 5pm for a ‘’Garden Party’’ open to everybody.

Jessica MaCan has been involved with Hospiscare for 10 years whilst her husband Matthew is Orchard House’s gardener (along with a little extra help!).

Jessica said: ‘’I decided to get involved with Hospiscare because of the work which they do locally, and because friends and family have needed to use the Hospice, which confirms how important it is.’’

This is the 7th year Orchard House has opened its gardens for the public and each year it has become more and more successful.

As well as informal gardens, a pond, ducks, chickens and a natural woodland to admire, visitors can expect a range of traditional fete activities including; a plant stall with plants from the garden for sale, a craft stall, tombola, ‘whack a rat’ and ‘hook a duck’. Jessica is a keen cake baker and prepares homemade cakes and cream teas for guests to enjoy in the garden, or indoors if the weather is poor.

Jessica is a committee member of Exeter Friends of Hospiscare and has a team of volunteers who help out on the day, including students who volunteer with Hospsicare as part of their Duke of Edinburgh Award.

Jessica said: ‘’I enjoy opening my garden to the public; my friends who help out now know to save the date. I love my garden and seeing other people enjoying it! I find it a very positive thing to do for a very positive local charity.’’

A full list of open gardens will be made available in the next few weeks via www.hospiscare.co.uk or in the open gardens booklet which will be available in Hospiscare shops and local garden centres.