A WEEK IN MY GARDEN - 16 AUGUST - OPEN GARDEN WEEKEND

Here is my roundup of our open garden weekend for the National Garden Scheme.  I had meant to write it sooner, but it seems we needed a few days without thinking about gardens, and indeed gardening at all, to recharge our batteries. This is going to be a warts and all discussion of how we found the experience. 

First of all it was a great success.  We had just over 200 visitors of the two days and raised over £1,900 for charity.  It didn't rain. We were promised sun but got cloud.  

The Long Border looked good though

The garden looked passable.  I can't deny that the drought has taken it's toll.  The grass is parched and the shrubs are wilting.  Plants had died back and left gaps.  Newly planted perennials had not established.  The roses were about to commence their second flush, but had stubbornly refused to open their buds.  I had to keep watering which I don't do as a rule, just to make sure there was something for the visitors to see.  I began to wish I'd opened in June or July.

Coffee break to refuel 

Opening in August meant that the hedges all needed a cut.  This is a job we would usually spread over a few months and instead had to be done to a deadline.  I hadn't really realised that it would be so difficult getting the garden to a reasonable standard all at the same time.  It's a bit like spinning plates!  

At the last minute, the gravel, which had been tidy, suddenly started started springing up with weeds again. Hortus Père was roped in too. 

It did all look lovely when it was done.  Here is the gravel courtyard set out as a tea room.

There are also the signs to put up, advertising the event and providing directions to the house and the car park.  Yes - there was a car park to arrange as well.  Mr B did a fantastic job.

We are very lucky to live in a such a lovely village and had oodles of support and help.  Cakes arrived all morning until the table was laden.

A fantastic plant stall was provided by Mary from Piecemeal Plants.  The visitors flocked there first.

Next stop was for teas.

Visitors said they found the garden very tranquil. Some stayed all afternoon sitting, and drinking in the atmosphere.

We had fantastic support from National Garden Scheme Nottinghamshire, who kept checking in with us to make sure we were OK.  They visited us on the day too.

So the big question is - would we do it again?  The answer is a cautious yes.

There will be another post coming soon with photos of what's not dead looking good at the moment.  Until then, have an enjoyable bank holiday weekend.  There are rumours that the sun may shine!

Top tip - If you are viewing the blog on the email if you click the links at the bottom, you do get redirected to my web page where the photos are much bigger and easier to see.