The Ely coordinator of an annual Open Garden event is appealing for more people to get involved ahead of next year – or it might be forced to close due to dwindling numbers.

Ely Standard: 12 and 26 Chapel Street in Ely are two of five gardens that will open on June 10.12 and 26 Chapel Street in Ely are two of five gardens that will open on June 10. (Image: Archant)

Five gardens will open to the public this Sunday (June 10) as the annual Open Garden event returns for charity.

The gardens, which are opening from 2-6pm, include 12 and 26 Chapel Street, 42 Cambridge Road, The Bishop of Huntingdon’s house, 14 Lynn Road, and The Bishop of Ely’s garden in the Gallery.

Ely Standard: 12 and 26 Chapel Street in Ely are two of five gardens that will open on June 10.12 and 26 Chapel Street in Ely are two of five gardens that will open on June 10. (Image: Archant)

Ken Ellis, Ely coordinator, said: “If you’re interested in gardens, or even if you’re not, come and have a look at how people enjoy their gardens.

“Would you be willing to open your garden next year? There are currently only five gardens in Ely that are open, and the Bishop of Huntingdon is retiring.

Ely Standard: The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely.The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely. (Image: Archant)

“There is a danger that a group opening won’t be viable unless other people come forward. Large or small, it really doesn’t matter.

“Maybe you’ve got a small garden with big ideas, or live in a new build estate and are developing your plot.

Ely Standard: The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely.The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely. (Image: Archant)

“I’ve a feeling that people with small plots don’t feel that they count.

“I’d like to reach out particularly to people who are on new estates, and try to get some groups functioning if I can.

Ely Standard: The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely.The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely. (Image: Archant)

“It doesn’t have to be Chelsea standard; people like to see ideas that they can try in their garden.

“You just have to have a willingness to share your joy and delight with other people.”

Ely Standard: The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely.The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely. (Image: Archant)

Held under the banner of the National Garden Scheme, in 2017, 660,000 people visited gardens, with £3.1 million distributed to nine national charities including Macmillan Cancer Support and Marie Curie Cancer Care.

A National Garden Scheme spokesman said: “Since 1927 we’ve been inviting garden owners to open their exceptional gardens to the public for good causes, giving people unique access to some of Britain’s most beautiful, memorable gardens for around the same cost of a cup of tea and a slice of cake. “Over the last 90 years, we’ve donated £50 million to charities across the UK, thanks to the generosity of our garden owners, volunteers and visitors.”

Ely Standard: The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely.The Bishop of Huntingdon's Garden in Lynn Road, Ely. (Image: Archant)

For more information visit www.NGS.org.uk or contact Ken by email: ken.ellis1@yahoo.com - or visit his garden at 12 Chapel Street on June 10 and talk to him.

Ely Standard: The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10.The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10.The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10.The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10. (Image: Archant)

Ely Standard: The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10.The Bishop's House in Ely will be open to the public on June 10. (Image: Archant)