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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27 August 2019

Twilight Gardens by Candlelight 2019

The conservatory.
Following many long hours of garden grafting, finally, the winds dropped, the sun shone, the temperatures rose as the garden basked in perfect still conditions for a Candlelit Opening! At long last, it WAS that perfect balmy summer's evening!

The Yew hedge sparkled as laser stars were projected on to it, 250 candles and tea lights lined the paths, fairy lights festooned the trees and lanterns hung from the branches as 180 (gulp!) visitors came from near and far to enjoy homemade teas on the terraces and Pimms & Prosecco in the garage!  It was a totally magical evening and the garden twinkled everywhere.  Chris made  Swedish log candles and lit them on the drive - a great focus of interest for the uninformed! A HUGE thanks to Chris & Ollie who were largely responsible for all the garden magic. 

The terrace steps.
In the conservatory, we had Iris, Pauline, Lindy, Tony and Pat.  In the garage, our barmaid for the evning was Sandra.  Later, she was joined by Pat and togther they served delicious drinks to appreciative visitors.  We were so lucky to have their help!  Pat made more cakes and even served gourmet homemade cheesy nibbles.  She even provided proper tables with elegant white table cloths and glasses.  It was SUCH an improvement on trying to serve everything in the conservatory.  We're even considering doing teas in the garage next time - (Deo volente!) it's actually nearer to the kitchen!

The Yew hedge never looked like this before!
We had 2 Paul's who ferried the less able up the bank - to and from the parking area.  Their services were much appreciated by everyone as they assisted with wheelchairs, walking frames.  Not too many gardens provide such a service!  A BIG thank you to them.

...And now get this! After we counted everything up, emptied the donation boxes, deducted the cost of the alcohol, done all our sums, we raised a massive 
£1,378.83 
in a single evening!!!  

It's interesting to note that our opening hours were 2 hours less than previous evening events as, instead of starting at 2pm, we didn't open until 4pm.  Having said that, 4 visitors came at noon!

The only thing we don't have are photos of any of our visitors in the garden.  Most of us were simply too busy. In such low lighting conditions, tripods are needed ...fat chance!!  Here's a few taken after they went home and some by Ollie! 


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