OAKDALE Library Gardens’ open gardens event proved to be a success as £400 was raised throughout May and June.

The gardens, found in Poole, were open to the public as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) where money was raised to support the scheme’s gardens and health-related projects run by charities including Horatio’s Garden and Maggie’s.

People enjoying the garden Picture: Oakdale Library Gardens

The NGS was launched in 1927 with the aim of “opening gardens of quality, character and interest to the public for charity”.

This was the second year the gardens were open for the NGS – with nearly £800 raised in total so far.

THE NGS describes the library gardens as “Award winning gardens comprising of the ‘Bookerie’ Reading and Rhyme time garden where wildlife is welcomed with bee friendly planting, an insect mansion and pond.

“Also a commemorative garden, a nautical themed garden, herb garden and children’s adventure trail. The gardens have been designed and maintained by volunteers.

“Featured in ‘111 places in Poole that you shouldn’t miss ’ by Katherine Bebo.”

At the open events visitors were able to purchase plants and enjoy refreshments in the gardens.

Picture: Oakdale Library Gardens

Tesco Fleetsbridge donated supplies for the May event and Asda Poole donated cakes for the June event with community champion, Vikki, in attendance.

Lead volunteer at Oakdale Library Gardens Ray Alderton said: “Huge thanks to everyone who made cakes, helped at the open events and attended.”

Volunteers helping raise money for the NGS charities Picture: Oakdale Library Gardens

Oakdale Library Gardens are entirely volunteer led and self-funded and were established in 2013. The main garden, the Bookerie, is open during Oakdale Library opening hours.

Ray said: “Many wildlife friendly features have been added to this garden making it a garden for all.

“There is also a commemorative garden, herb garden, coastal garden and a children’s adventure trail which are open to view at all times.”