Open Gardens South Australia has generated over one million dollars for charity in just six and a half years. Hundreds of garden owners have allowed 120,000 visitors to look around their beautiful back yards, donating proceeds to scores of local charities.

Open Gardens SA charges a modest entry fee. After covering essential costs, including insurance, IT, administration and publicity, the garden owners receive half of the entrance fee to distribute to good causes and charities of their choice.

At most openings, hard-working and creative owners enlist their friends, and often the charities themselves, to help raise further funds. They include add-on events such as plant sales, afternoon teas and sausage sizzles.

Chair of Open Gardens SA, David Hancock, said that the organisation also presents several garden-related events to raise additional funds.

“Our events celebrate the joy of gardens and raise more funds,” David said. “From smaller gardening workshops to our Theatre in the Garden with Blue Sky Theatre. Their recent production of 'Present Laughter' was a sell-out!

” Given that Open Gardens SA was established as a not-for-profit organisation to continue the opportunity to open privately owned gardens to the general public, and not specifically as an organisation to raise funds for charity, this “by-product” is indeed an impressive outcome! Open Gardens SA has implemented its own support program of projects that bring benefit to the community including assisting horticulture students through the Playford Trust, making small grants available to community gardens and donations to BlazeAid to assist with bush fire recovery.

” David Hancock said the organising committee team is very proud of achieving this milestone.

“I salute the hard work and generosity of South Australia’s garden community,” said David. “This strong support from garden owners, volunteers and the garden visiting public creates a solid financial base that will ensure our scheme will continue opening private gardens well into the future.”