The gates to the glorious Fonthill Estate will swing open once more on Sunday 8th June 2025, offering visitors the rare chance to explore its stunning gardens – all in support of the Lady Garden Foundation, and in memory of a young woman whose story continues to inspire.
The Open Gardens event, taking place from 12 noon until 5pm, has been organised by Lord Margadale, Nancy Morrison, and Penny Plane in heartfelt remembrance of Emily Plane – a beloved daughter and family friend who sadly lost her life to ovarian cancer in 2023 at just 28 years old. Emily would have turned 30 this June, and this opening of the 9,000-acre estate serves as a tribute to her life, her love of the gardens, and her enduring legacy.
“Emily loved her visits to Fonthill, and we couldn’t be more pleased to open the garden in her honour,” said Nancy Morrison. “It’s a special way to remember her and share something she enjoyed with others.”
This year’s event will be the final opportunity for the public to visit the gardens in 2025. Guests can look forward to meeting Lord Margadale and his dedicated gardening team, while strolling through vibrant floral displays, immaculate vegetable patches, and expansive grounds steeped in history. The day will also feature a selection of local artisan stalls and tempting refreshments.
Tickets are priced at £10 in advance via Eventbrite, or £12 on the gate. All proceeds from ticket sales and the event prize draw will go directly to the Lady Garden Foundation, a UK charity dedicated to raising awareness of gynaecological cancers.
The charity, which was close to Emily’s heart, aims to inform and empower women across the UK with crucial knowledge on the signs and symptoms of the five main gynaecological cancers – ovarian, womb, cervical, vaginal, and vulval.
Emily was first diagnosed with stage 3 ovarian cancer in 2018 at the age of 23. Initially believing her symptoms to be IBS, she endured years of treatment with courage and dignity, but tragically passed away in November 2023.
Her mother, Penny Plane, remains a passionate supporter of the Lady Garden Foundation:
“My involvement began when my daughter Emily was diagnosed. I am so grateful to Lord Margadale for opening the gardens at Fonthill in her memory – helping the Foundation raise funds and awareness, so more people know what to look out for and can act early.”
Jenny Halpern Prince MBE, Chair of the Lady Garden Foundation, added:
“We are so grateful to the Fonthill Estate for this generous gesture. Early diagnosis saves lives. Emily was a true friend of the Lady Garden, and Penny’s incredible ongoing support is helping us to continue our vital mission.”
As visitors enjoy the rare beauty of the Fonthill gardens, they’ll also have the chance to discover a cause that blooms with purpose, passion and hope – in loving memory of a young woman whose life will never be forgotten.
Tickets available at:
Eventbrite – Fonthill House Charity Garden Opening
