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

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15 July 2013

Birthday Surprise

Chris with his birthday cake and firework!




This Saturday little garden work was done owing to the fact that a certain 'Chief Gardener' had a surprise birthday lunch.  Conspirators got their heads together and, despite the odd crisis, a number of Chris's other garden clients appeared for Pimms and a cold salmon lunch on the terrace.  A certain builder nearly missed lunch altogether as one of his own clients had managed to drive his car into his own newly built garage wall causing major structural damage.  He not only missed pudding(s) but also birthday cake!  Super delicious cakes and deserts were kindly made by Judith and Yvonne so it was indeed, a BIG miss! 

We were a little short on garden furniture owing to the fact that Chris had taken his own (matching!) table and chairs home and I could hardly ask to hang on to it an extra week!  They had been sitting in our garden for a month during which time poor Chris called round to find us dining at his table! How very embarrassing!! Luckily, Judith came to the rescue with another set and a much needed big umbrella.  I made the usual oversight. This time it was the soda bread AND I was up at 6:30am to ensure there was enough time  to make it!  GRR!  Serving lunch couldn't have been easier. With 2 expert waiters on hand in the form of Frankie and Alwyn; it was a breeze! Hopefully, home grown new potatoes - this year's are Lady Christl (I know it looks like a spelling mistake but it isn't!) compensated for the absence of home baking.


(I also omitted to appoint an official photographer for the occasion. Sadly, not all guests appear in the album.)  After the guests departed, the hay was gathered in and then it was time to sit down and watch another beautiful sunset with a few more beers (see next post!)  Quite an easy Saturday by PTC standards!  

1 comment:

3kidsmama said...

Happy birthday to Chris the gardener. Such privilege to have the expert waiters around for the birthday lunch!