Open garden event in Lady Bay moves virtual in response to pandemic

A special Facebook group has been set up

An open garden event planned in Lady Bay is set to take place virtually for the first time in its 29-year history.

The Lady Bay Open Gardens, which encourages residents across the 'leafy' area to open up their gardens, has been forced to curtail its usual plans due to the coronavirus crisis.

Instead, residents will be encouraged to submit photos and videos of their gardens to be displayed on a Facebook group.

During the run up to the event, on July 4 and July 5, pictures of the gardeners will be displayed on the group as they prepare for the 'virtual visits'.

Tony Papkiewicz, the event's chairman, said: "We couldn't let 2020 go by without having Lady Bay Open Gardens.

"The absence of the 29th event this year would have left a huge gap in the Lady Bay calendar.

"The community and visitor support has always made the event a great success. We hope you will enjoy this online variation to the event as we did not want anyone to miss out on our stunning gardens.

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"The Lady Bay Open Gardens volunteer committee are working to put on a ‘virtual’ programme that reflects the events of past years.

"Thank you to West Bridgford-based financial advisers CL4Women for continuing to support us this year."

To view the garden photos and videos join the Facebook group by searching for ‘Virtual Lady Bay Open Gardens 2020’.

The event is free of charge, but people are encouraged to donate to their chosen charity.