Behind the Garden Gate in Finistère

When we first opened our garden for Open Gardens / Jardins Ouverts back in 2016, we had no idea what to expect. Our little haven — just over a hectare in the heart of the Monts d’Arrée — was still taking shape, and the concept of visiting a private garden was something rather new to our Breton neighbours. On one memorable weekend, the rain fell in torrents, and we welcomed only five visitors over two days. But, as every gardener knows, perseverance pays off — and over the years, our garden has flourished in more ways than one.

The rhythm of the seasons

Choosing when to open your garden is both an art and a gamble. For us, the year has two spectacular moments: May, when the azaleas, rhododendrons, wisteria and the Laburnum Walkway burst into colour (see above), and midsummer, when our collection of over 300 hydrangea cultivars takes the stage.

But as the weather becomes less predictable, it’s getting harder to choose the best dates for the garden to be at its peak. May is usually for the azaleas, rhododendrons, wisteria and the Laburnum Walkway, and July–August suit the hydrangeas (we have over 300 cultivars). Opening on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons gives a better chance of showing the garden at its best

Spreading the word

Promotion is key. We’ve found local newspapers such as Le Télégramme and Ouest France invaluable for spreading the word. Posters from Open Gardens / Jardins Ouverts, a few home-printed flyers, and a good dose of social media all help too.

These get distributed locally — the tabac, boulangerie and tourist information office are always our top priorities — and we also email scanned versions to friends a bit further afield so they can print and display them. Bryan writes up a post for social media, and I include a copy of the flyer in my small mailing list to announce upcoming openings, encouraging recipients to share it online. I even shrink the flyers so that I can fit a dozen on one A4 sheet, cut them up, and leave them in local shops for people to pick up when buying their morning paper. Over time, this mix of local and digital publicity has built a lovely following of regulars — and brings new visitors every year.

Welcoming visitors

Once people arrive, we try to make them feel truly welcome. A warm greeting, a leaflet explaining the garden’s layout, and clear plant labelling all help guests get the most from their visit. Benches are scattered throughout the garden for people to sit and take in the views — and of course, a chat about plants is always encouraged!

Tea, cake, and conversation

No garden visit would be complete without a cup of tea and a slice of homemade cake. Over time, this part of the day has become just as popular as the plants themselves — and not just with British visitors! Our wonderful helpers bake and serve on the day, creating a welcoming atmosphere where people can relax, chat, and enjoy the setting.

Plants to take home

The plant stall is another highlight. We can never resist propagating new plants, and visitors love the chance to take home something they’ve admired in the garden. Prices are kept modest, and the best bargains are always snapped up early!

Reflections on the experience

Opening a garden is a big undertaking, but it’s also deeply rewarding. Every season brings new challenges — from shifting weather patterns to changing visitor expectations — but also new joys. People come from near and far, some curious to see what lies beyond the hedge, others simply looking for inspiration or a peaceful afternoon outdoors.

As we look ahead, the lessons we’ve learned — about patience, community and a shared love of gardens — feel more relevant than ever. Opening your garden can be exhausting, but it’s always worth it. Because at heart, that’s what Open Gardens / Jardins Ouverts is all about: sharing something you love and watching it grow.

With thanks to Jackie and Bryan Carrick, whose garden in the Monts d’Arrée, Finistère, has opened for Open Gardens / Jardins Ouverts since 2016. This article is adapted from their reflections on what it’s like to welcome visitors through the garden gate.