A TELEVISION gardener will attend a hospice's open weekend.

BBC One Show's gardener Christine Walker will lend her green-fingers to St Clare Hospice's 24th annual Open Gardens weekend on May 27.

Held in Epping Upland from May 19 to July 1, more than 30 gardens will be open to the public to explore.

Mrs Walkden, who is also a patron of St Clare's, said: “One of the things our patients and visitors tell us again and again when they come to St Clare is how much they appreciate having access to the Hospice’s beautifully maintained grounds.

"The St Clare gardens are an oasis of calm and offer a secluded haven for our patients and their families to spend quality time together and make memories they will always treasure.

“I am delighted to be supporting St Clare’s 24th annual Open Gardens event and to be welcoming members of the public to Michael Chapman’s stunning garden at Goosebury Hall in Epping Upland.

"We are lucky to live in one of the most beautiful corners of Essex and as a passionate horticulturalist I can’t think of a better way to help raise vital funds for our local hospice.

"I would encourage everyone with a passion for beautiful gardens to take part and visit the magnificent gardens of the St Clare catchment area.”

The telelvisiual gardening pro will be attending the opening of the Goosebury Hall garden from 10am to 11am on May 27.

Entry to participating gardens is payable on the gate and entry costs from £3 per garden, or group of gardens. Tea, cakes and lunches are available in many of the gardens.

A free guidebook which includes details of each of the participating gardens or groups of

gardens, and the cost of entry, can be picked up in any of the 8 St Clare Hospice charity shops, or at the Hospice Reception.

For more information call Dani on 01279 773738 or email dani@stclarehospice.org.uk

For a full list of the participating gardens visit: stclarehospice.org.uk/events