Eight brave neighbours of mine got together to stage an ‘Open Gardens’ day this weekend. The day could not have been more glorious – a typical English summer day, bright and warm from the off.
The route through the village provided a peep behind the gates into some of the most amazing spaces. Some filled with quintessential blooms of delphiniums, foxgloves, hollyhocks, clematis, roses and the rest. And others were tranquil areas of trees providing an uplifting dappled light.
The event brought the community together, my husband was on ticket and car park duty whilst I made teas and coffees and sold cakes in the village hall with many others who had rolled up their sleeves. It was hard work but well-worth it, as £1600 was raised towards the Memorial Hall refurbishment fund. And for many, it was a grand day out – especially as The Brewer’s Arms http://www.brewersarmsclayworth.co.uk/ and the The Blacksmiths https://www.blacksmithsclayworth.com/ were both open for business and offering a discount. What more could you want?
My own garden is very small but I endeavour to fill it with colour- and perhaps, when it’s time for the next ‘Open Gardens’ day in a couple of years’ time, I will be brave enough to open the gate to it too.