A FARM-based charity for adults with learning disabilities is throwing its doors open to the public.

Organisers say everyone is welcome to the Boaz Project summer open day and plant sale on Saturday, June 3 between 1pm to 4pm. The event at Hill Farm, near Barton Stacey, will feature craft stalls, tractor rides, a petting zoo, live music, hot food and more.

The open day and plant sale comes just weeks after Boaz scooped a silver award at the BBC Gardeners’ World Spring Fair at Beaulieu. BBC Gardeners’ World presenter Adam Frost, pictured, presented the silver award to the delighted Boaz team.

The Boaz Project provides meaningful work to more than 30 adults with learning disabilities. The charity offers a rich variety of farming-related activities, including horticulture, craft, cookery, tending a flock of 120 egg laying chickens and walking with donkeys.

The award-winning Boaz showgarden featured knitted chickens, a scarecrow, jars of jam and a wooden bug hotel as well as many colourful plants, such as sweet peas, verbena, allium, campanula and rhubarb.  Designed by Andy Brooks, head of horticulture, the idea was to give an insight into the activities and types of plants encountered at Boaz.

Commenting on the show garden, assessor Louise Jackson said: "A charming evocation of the great work done at the Boaz Project with some lovely embellishments and input from the members."

Mr Brooks, former chief photographer at the Andover Advertiser who still lives in the town, said: “We achieved what we did because of all departments of Boaz pulling together to create the display. It was a team effort and I’m grateful to everyone who contributed to make it the success it was.”

And there will be an opportunity to find out more at the Boaz open day and plant sale on Saturday, June 3. Manager Stuart Palmer said:  “It will be a fun day out for the whole family filled with entertainment, fresh air, great views and good vibes. Whether you want to stock up on some plants for your garden, ride a tractor, or pet an animal, there will be something for everyone.”

“Come and join us and find out more about what we do here at Boaz – you might even be inspired to become a volunteer.”

The Boaz Project at Hill Farm in Sutton Scotney, SO21 3NT, is on the A272 near the junction with the A30. See boazproject.co.uk.