Copying Castles!

Maybe, I should have posted a photo of Chris's finished Yew hedge! As the shapes have grown, so has Chris grown to like it!  In 3 years it's really taken shape.  Prior to that it was just boring straight lines. It's certainly one of those annual but transforming jobs.  What you can't see are the Secret Steps which fun up through it or the window!  All that is visible is the Magic Mirror door. The idea was stolen from Powys Castle but has been dramatically scaled down as their Yew hedge is ENORMOUS!  This is a mini version.

Pugh's Take on Powys!

Hopsy Turvey!

It's that time of year again! New hops are filling the kitchen with their perfume. Once again we went to Haven Hops - which I highly recommend enjoying  their heady perfume all the way home! Dried flowers from the garden and statice from Francis Hosken's flower farm on Scilly (https://g.co/kgs/sKZe94 ) are hung up every year. On a dark winter's day, they provide some happy and much longed for colour! If you don't  have an Aga, they are brilliant  for absorbing  cooking  smells.

All ready for the long winter days.

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! 

More photos here

Midlands Air Ambulance Hijacked by Gardeners.....

Their best cheesey smiles!

Al fancies a test drive!!

...with a cheque for £820.00!!  Never before had they had a donation from a gardening group. The Gardens of Wichenford event was their very first!!

More photos here!

....And the Vicar Came Too!!

The Gardens of Wichenford 2019 - FINALE

Gardening lessons PTC style!

As a follow-up to the success of The Gardens of Wichenford, garden owners, helpers and a few beneficiaries spent an evening in the gardenwhen the sun actually shone!  Pat and Sandra helped with drinks and refreshements and cheques were presented. I was very nice to see the Rev. David Sherwin and his wife.

 

Yew Hedge Trimming.

It's that time of year when the Yew hedging and topiary gets its annual haircut. This week, the big Yew hedge was top of the list. It's our tale on Powys Castle's famous Yew hedge!!  One sode of the hedge is all symmetry, precision and straight lines and the other side is all lumps and bumps and it meant to resemble a green waterfall.  Our Yew arch is so nearly formed and I reckon the 2 yews will have grown together by next year. Of course there was much clearing up but it's all neat and tidy once again.

Chris also cut the outside of the perimeter hedge and strimmed the ditch where there was MAJOR clearing up - so much indeed, the wheelbarrow was piled so high, the handles couldn't be found and Chris couldn't be seen pushing it! He couldn't see over the load and needed serious guidance!

Peeping Pugh!!

Contact the Elderly - Tea Party

                              

On Sunday, we hosted our annual tea party for Contact the Elderly.  We enjoyed the company of 11 members and their 3 drivers.  The weather held up for a turn around the garden.  However, I discovered that, although wide enough for wheelbarrows, the greenhouse entrances are too narrow for wheelchairs.  Mmm - interesting.  Tea was enjoyed in the conservatory.  Well, it is only August!! We were so grateful for Sue's help.  She looked after our guests wonderfully by waiting on them and escorting them around the garden.  She even sold some cards!!  Thanks so much, Sue!