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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30 August 2018

Soggy Twilight Garden Opening!

Brave visitors sheltering from the rain!
End of a successful day.
Following all the dire weather forecasts for a cold and wet Bank Holiday Sunday, we feared no visitors at all.  We needn't have worried as 42 hardy souls braved the elements and turned out.  Chris had helped do an amazing jobs on extra lights and on a rainy Sunday morning appeared with eyes for Colin the Caterpiller!!  When dusk fell, the rain stopped but it was still very cold and breezy. Alas no candles out in the open but Chris ensured they illuminated the windows of the General Sores, the Pear Hut, the Tool Shed, Potting Shed, Studio and greenhouse. He lit all lanterns and that together with Dave's earlier garden light MOT meant that the garden looked really pretty.  If anything with the wet surfaces, there was more reflection!
Chris illuminates the old chimney.

Our loyal band of helpers weren't going to let the weather put them off either. They donned on their aprons and got to work. We were even able to run 2 shuttle buses thanks to Malc Wilkes (no relation to Lyn!) and Dave Evans. We thank them all very much. This 2 car system worked brilliantly.

A special vote of thanks goes to our waitresses, washers up and cake bakers who were Lyn Wilkes, Lyn Glaze, Lindy Hobbs, Di Evans, Pat Finch, Dianne Ratcliff, Cathy Anstey, Maureen Androlia & Sandra Kelley. We also thank all our neighbours whose offers of help with regard to parking make it possible in the first place!  You know who you all are! We couldn't do it without the help of friends and neighbours!

Having done all the sums, we then opened the donations tin only  to find another £102.04.  This pushed our total for the day up to £407.74!! Now considering the awful weather, THAT is truly amazing!!  
Well done team!!

A very special thank you goes to Ian Foster who turned out late that night and rescued four of our visitors whose car became stuck in a ditch at the bottom of the lane.  He arrived just minutes after a call for help.  What a star!! We hope he was suitably rewarded by the driver.

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