THE Guildford Open Gardens’ Festival returns on the weekend of November 1 and 2 with two days of inspiration and fun for the whole family.

Guildford Association chairperson Claire Scanlan said three outstanding Guildford gardens would be open to the public, plus many other activities including food trucks and delicious homemade sandwiches and cakes in the church hall.

“A free Stirling Square Garden Market will be held from 8am to 2pm with 30 plus garden-themed stalls, food trucks, refreshments, kids’ activities, workshops and talks,” Ms Scanlan said.

“Guildford has a long and colourful garden history making it a great setting.”

She said 720 ABC Radio would be broadcasting live from the festival on Saturday, with Amber Cunningham from 6am and Sophie Thomson from ABC TV’s Gardening Australia co-hosting from 9–10am.

“Sophie will be joined at the festival by fellow gardening experts Darren Seinor, Faye Arcaro and Mark Tucek,” Ms Scanlan said.

She said visitors were encouraged to stroll around the town and check out other attractive front and verge gardens that are a feature of Guildford, thanks to a local group called Guildford Verge Gardeners.

“We will also be giving away a free map/walking guide to highlight some of the best ones,” Ms Scanlan said.

“Entry per garden is $8 per person, or $25 per person for entry to multiple gardens.”

She said a highlight of the weekend was a plant stall to help raise funds for the heritage garden, and heritage roses (free entry).

“People are also invited to explore the heritage National Trust property Woodbridge at Mandoon, for $10 per person entry.

“Workshops and events featuring Sophie Thomson, Joshua van Helsdingen and Sue Crosse will be held at Woodbridge at Mandoon on the Sunday, sponsored by Open Gardens WA.”

For more information go to the Open Gardens WA website.