Hello Garden Group members
I hope that you have been able to enjoy/endure this hot spell – certainly the plants, wanted and unwanted, have thrived here in the Gower Peninsula in South Wales. There have been occasions that we have retreated to the relative cool of indoors but in the main we have tried to make the most of it. An unexpected delivery of a large quantity of horse manure did see me working hard, piking it into the compost bays on one of the hottest days. A rewarding long cool drink went down well at the end. But delighted to have this black gold to put on the beds later this year.
One of the attractions of gardening is planning ahead and having something to look forward to. Seeing the fruits (often literally) of your preparation and planning is so satisfying. Whether it is a single house plant or a vast garden, having that something to nurture satisfies a basic need within us.
Of course, visiting gardens rewards us with the work of others – from the original designers in the past, to the work done recently by its current custodians. From grand demesnes to simple cottage gardens and allotments, there is so much joy to behold.
We’ve had some lovely outings lately. One of the most exciting was the Garden’s Group first event in Scotland, in Edinburgh, followed quickly by a second a week later in Dunfermline. There are several more events in Scotland online – more details below. A big thank you to Colin for all his hard work in setting these up, and to Doug and Dave for their support and encouragement.
We really enjoyed our visit on a sunny day to Waterperry, and it was great to catch up with friends old and new. A fascinating garden, with a strong lesbian history. The tour of the frescoes in the house was also very interesting. And the comradery during visits (yes, visitS!) to the café was great. Thanks to those who travelled long distances, and to Bill for his help re lifts.
Closer to home for us, we had a most enjoyable visit to a National Garden Scheme (NGS) group opening near Swansea. One of the five gardens that opened was gay owned, and it was great to support it. An interesting mix of gardens, reflecting the styles and interests of the owners, but the friendly atmosphere and warm welcome was the highlight. Lovely homemade cakes came a close second!
On the same day as our local event, there was a visit to another NGS event in Whitstable. The gardens were of a high standard and the addition of a pub stop, coastal views and refreshments offering much socialising made for an enjoyable day. Thank you to Chris for organising and there is another Gardens trip to a pretty village near Canterbury on 14th June – see below.
Looking ahead, after a busy month, June is equally promising, kicking off with a visit to David Austin Roses nr Wolverhampton on the 3rd, a Scottish Open Gardens to Sir Walter Scott's home near Melrose on the 10th, NT Barrington Court in Somerset on the 12th, Abergavenny Open Gardens in South Wales on the 16th, Elham Open Gardens near Canterbury also on the 16th , our first Gardens Group Getaway in Somerset on 20th/21st, with the renowned Hestercombe proving very popular. We finish off the month with Inveresk Gardens in East Lothian, also on the 21st.
July is of course brings us the Annual Outdoor Gathering, this year near Coventry, and three Garden Group events are now online and proving very popular. Friday we are at NT Hidcote, Saturday is at NT Packwood House and Monday is to a very special privately owned garden called Morton Hall.
We also have several other events during July around the country, including the first Royal Horticultural Show at Badminton in Gloucestershire on the 8th – all are online on the Gardens Group webpage.
I hope that you can join us for some of these events. If there is nothing happening in your area, please consider putting something on. Suggestions for events always welcome and I am happy to offer as much help as I can. Guidance for organising Garden Group events can be found here. Just ask if you have any questions and I do my best to answer them.
Happy Gardening/Garden visiting
With best wishes
Neil
Gardens Group Co-Ordinator.
