Chorlton-cum-Hardy is a southern suburb of Manchester.

The first Chorlton Open Gardens event was held in June 2011 in aid of the charity ‘Freedom from Torture’ (formerly the Medical Foundation for Care of Victims of Torture).  29 sites, including gardens and yards, allotments, a school garden, local plant nursery, and grocery roof garden were open to the public. 1000 programmes were sold by four local businesses and volunteers.

The feedback was very positive and people enjoyed the communal atmosphere, the variety of garden spaces, refreshments, and learning more about garden design, flowers and vegetables that can be grown locally.