Unlatching the gate

In a week's time on Sunday, 26 May between 1pm and 5pm in the afternoon we will open our garden gates for the first time in support of the National Garden Scheme.  It looks like the Alliums will be in attendance but the Foxgloves  may be a little late and miss the party altogether.

Opening the gates of your garden can be daunting and as we only moved here two years ago (almost to the day as it happens!) we are very aware of the shortcomings of the garden and indeed of ourselves as gardeners. 

But the garden does have a fine bone structure and in time will be, I am sure, quite beautiful.  It is very young but already it shows promise and on a fine day and in the right light, it does look captivating.  But I am sure most gardeners can say such things about their own gardens with equal meaning.

Gardens are a very private space.  A place to escape to, to enjoy, to relax in.  For me, well I just love being outside in the fresh air coexisting with nature and creating planting schemes using the myriad of plant forms, shapes and textures.  All of which are very private things of course.  So a National Garden Scheme opening comes with joy at being able to share the garden with people who enjoy gardens as much as you do while being balanced by a large slice of trepidation on the other. 

If you have taken the time to read this entry, please try and visit for the opening is for a very good cause.  There will be sales of wonderful plants, scrummy cakes and teas and I hope, a lovely garden to walk around.