What the visitors saw

The first weekend in June saw our local village hosting an Open Gardens event in aid of the Parish church.  20 gardens were open to visitors on both Saturday and Sunday afternoons.
Most of the gardens were in the village centre and within walking distance of each other but some, like ours, were on the outskirts or in outlying hamlets which necessitated a drive, cycle or walk.  Some brave souls even cycled up here in the rain.

From the front gate around the side to the garden you first come to the patio and herb beds alongside the steps up to the lawn.

Visitors who arrived by car parked in the field and approached the garden across our mini-meadow

 The ox-eye daisies are doing well and the various grasses are interesting. We are trying to establish some yellow rattle to weaken the grasses so we can introduce more wildflowers.

The roses along the field fence were at their best

Peony Sarah Bernhardt was flowering well - she took a hit on the following Monday and Tuesday when rain and gales swept across the country.

The newer beds are filling out well and some lupins held on til the weekend although some were past their best.  The cockerel had a new coat of paint for the occasion.

The paths round the sundial are fast disappearing under lush summer growth.

Apparently the last Open Gardens in the village was 14 years ago, long before we moved here, so we are newcomers to the experience.   The Saturday was very quiet but the Sunday busy all the time.  It seemed local residents spread their visits over the two days, walking round the central village gardens on the Saturday then driving to the outlying ones on the Sunday.

Teas were available in the village so we were not involved in that area - a bonus!!

Visitors were not deterred by infrequent, but heavy, rain showers.  They wandered around the garden and chatted and asked questions.

An enjoyable weekend