Myra's story

Published 24 September 2024 More in

Green-fingered Myra Bright encourages others to open their garden for St Christophers

Growing up with her own small patch of an idyllic country garden at her childhood home in Herefordshire, Myra Bright was perhaps destined to follow in the footsteps of her many green-fingered relatives.

Now, 60 years later, Myra is reflecting on the huge success of opening her Beckenham garden to raise money for St Christopher’s and is keen to encourage fellow gardeners to follow in her footsteps.

Myra, who says her mantra is, ‘there’s always space for another plant,’ had the opportunity to design her 100x40ft garden from scratch when she and her husband moved house six years ago and she grasped the opportunity with both hands.

“From totally bare beds five years ago, it’s now well established. I would describe it is romantic and cottagey with an arch of roses.”

Visitors to Myra’s open garden in June were met by a fabulous mix of pink, purple and blue flowers – and better still, in this washout of a summer – it didn’t rain.

It was Myra’s daughters who encouraged her to open her garden to the public, as many of her family have in the past, and when she did it for the National Garden Scheme, a visitor from St Christopher’s invited her to open for them too.

“I started mentioning to local people that I was going to do it for St Christopher’s and everyone I spoke to had a connection to the hospice. It seems to touch so many people’s lives. I have no personal experience, but it is such a good cause.”

“When I realised I needed some more help, they arranged for three volunteers to come and help on the day.”

To maximise the fundraising opportunity, Myra, who used to run a catering business, had a cake sale and sold plants.

More than 109 people came and Myra raised £1100 – with more yet to be counted.

In fact, the counting was one of the things Myra was very grateful to St Christopher’s for taking responsibility for.

“They were brilliant and did all the admin including counting and banking all the money. Also, when I realised I needed some more help, they arranged for three volunteers to come and help on the day.

“It really is much easier that you might think and so I’d really encourage other people to open their gardens. Everyone’s garden is interesting, so it’s not as frightening as you think. It doesn’t have to be perfect and you don’t have to sell cakes and plants either. People will just be pleased to come and see someone else’s garden.

“Everyone who comes wants to look at gardens and whoever they are, old middle-aged or young families they are so lovely. There was just such a feelgood factor.”

While she’s looking forward to opening for St Christopher’s again next year, Myra would be spending most daylight hours in the garden anyway.

“Most days I’m out there for most of the day. I just doesn’t feel right if I don’t get out there. It’s so pleasurable and never a chore. My garden is my real pride and joy.

“My garden is my real pride and joy”

We need your help

We’re currently looking for green fingered folk to help with propagating and growing plants for the Plant Sale we’ll be hosting at the Sydenham Open Garden in June 2025. Or, if you’d like to open your garden in 2025, we’d love to hear from you!

Please email our team at communityfundraising@stchristophers.org.uk
and we’ll be in touch.