Everything in the garden is rosy for a Bournville resident who is celebrating a decade of opening her garden to the public to raise money for charity.

Anne Ellis first took part in the Bournville Open Garden event, supported by charity Bournville Village Trust and part of the National Open Garden Scheme, in July 2016.

Since then, the qualified music teacher, and her partner Lawrence Newman, have welcomed hundreds of visitors to their garden every year, helping to raise thousands of pounds for great causes.

Anne, who has lived in Bournville for over 40 years, said: “I find gardening very rewarding and it’s a cliché, but you just forget yourself when you’re out in the garden.

“The Open Garden event is the icing on the cake as you’re sharing what you do with other like-minded people. I give advice to visitors, but they also advise me which is great.”

This year, Anne and Lawrence, who were presented with a trowel by the National Garden Scheme for 10 years of opening their garden, and four other residents will again open their gardens to the public on Sunday 14th June 2026.

Selly Manor Museum in Bournville will also open its grounds to the public as part of the event which runs from 11am-5pm.

Visitors will be able to tour each garden for a combined entry of £7 (children enter free) – getting inspiration for their own projects along with helpful tips and advice.

Some gardens will also include entertainment and the chance to indulge in refreshments. All money raised will be donated to various charities and good causes.

The Bournville Open Garden event is always looking for more volunteers to open their gardens, and Anne has some words of encouragement.

Anne said to those thinking of taking part: “Do it, it’s joyful! You don’t have to create a show garden as most of those visiting aren’t interested in how perfect your garden is. They want to see your garden’s structure, type of plants and get advice.”

Elaine Li, Community Development and Involvement Manager at Bournville Village Trust, said: “We are really proud to support the work of Anne and all the other Bournville residents who open their gardens as part of the National Open Garden Scheme.

“Over the last ten years, a fantastic amount of money has been raised for charities and good causes; helping to make a difference to the lives of many people and wider communities.”

To find out more about Bournville Open Garden Day, go to https://ngs.org.uk/gardens/bournville-village-b30/ or call our Community team on 0300 333 6540 / email communityadmin@bvt.org.uk

Bournville Village Trust is one of the Midlands’ longest-serving independent charitable trusts.

It works within more than a dozen diverse communities in south and central Birmingham and Telford and aims to create and sustain communities where people can thrive.

It was founded by social reformer and chocolate maker George Cadbury in 1900 and provides services to 8,000 homes and 25,000 people.