The green and rolling countryside of Worcestershire, England, is home to the cider apple orchards which surround the gardens of Pear Tree Cottage. They enjoy a sunny south westerly aspect with sweeping views across to Martley Hillside, Woodbury and Abberley clock tower. The Teme Valley lies just over the hill and, not far away, is the Herefordshire border. Although our climate is temperate, our seasons are often uncertain and always a challenge to a gardener! This began in 2010 & follows the weekly ups and downs of garden work chronicling both successes and failures but, above all, demonstrates the fun enjoyed by three people who regularly garden in all weathers

A day off garden work meant a visit to the Spring Garden Show at Malvern with Al, Jan and Ash.  It was freezing cold with dark scudding clouds.  After tramping round, seeing beautiful botanical specimens at every turn, we eventually came across the star exhibits: Houses for Hens!  It should be renamed: Palaces for Hens because they were just so lovely and yet so utterly practical.  They are fabulously built and all four of us fell for them.

We all enjoyed meeting and talking to Edward Tate and even though we don't keep hens, discussions have taken place as to where exactly in the garden/orchard the new House for Hens should be placed.  As experts on hen keeping, Ash & Jan have advised on the practicalities as far as would concern us.  Our next step: consult Chris!  In the mean time check them out at http://www.housesforhens.co.uk/home and You Tube too!