This last month has been my busiest for along time, with us opening in May and now this coming weekend but I must tell you about the May opening.
We got up to sunshine which stayed with us throughout the day.Unlike last year when the heavens opened and I stood talking to people in the rain. All our ‘staff ‘ (family) came on time and we all mucked in to get the last things ready. Plants all looking great and the textile table looking inviting, I gave us all a quick lunch then we opened the gates and for half an hour we thought no one was going to come, suddenly the hoards descended.
We never stopped talking to people,selling plants and textiles. It was manic but in a good way.
My cousins Rob and Gill selling plants …
Me doing what I do best…talking about plants.
You get to meet so many like minded people, some new comers and a lot of regulars. We even had the previous owners of our house come, last seen 38 years ago… they saw a difference.
The garden shortly after moving in in 1978.
And I have saved the best till last….
On the Wednesday after the opening we received a parcel in the post, thinking this was a mistake as I know I hadn’t sent for anything, we gingerly opened it. My cousins Rob and Gill had put together an amazing book of pictures from the day. I am so pleased and thrilled with it and I will treasure it always.
The pictures are superb ….
And this is fabulous …a timed shot of all of us …
We ended up with only two bags left and enough plants for this week end.
So the final total for the day including the other two gardens in our group was…
£ 800 in ticket sales …with a grand total of just under £1,500 with plants, teas, crafts and textiles. I think it was a very worth while, if not a little exhausting, day.
And I leave you with a picture taken yesterday of the wisteria…no it wasn’t open on the day but boy will it look good this weekend. So what ever the weather this week end go visit an open garden it’s the best time of the year and you never know you may pick up that plant you’ve always wanted……. Sue
from sewing room to potting shed 
I’m curious to know why you open your house and garden?
LikeLike
I don’t open my house. I open my garden as an aid to raise money for the Air Ambulance but most of all I love meeting like minded people who want to talk plants and gardens. I have made some great friends through doing this.
LikeLike
That’s good.
LikeLike
The amount of money raised is really good. Well done I bet it was hard work but clearly worth it.
LikeLike
It is hard work but nothing that I wouldn’t have done anyway, it gives me the incentive to carry on gardening even though sometimes I feel unwell. It’s a joy when eventually everything is straight and tidy. Also I can think about going on holidays after… 🙂
LikeLiked by 1 person
i am sorry to read that you are sometimes feeling unwell. I hope the holiday more than makes up for it.
LikeLike
Lovely …..
LikeLike
Sounds absolutely amazing, well done. And what an incredibly kind gift. Here’s to the next one!
LikeLike
Thanks…next one is this weekend… 🙂
LikeLike
Congratulations on such a successful open garden day. The book is really a treasure.
LikeLike
Thank you, it does mean such a lot to me … 🙂
LikeLike
What a success! This year I found two gardens that opened in our area – not quite private like yours but very interesting and worth visiting. I am still struggling to get our garden in order just for us, so I can imagine the work you have had to get it in the order you would like to show to other gardeners. Amelia
LikeLike
Such a deserved result – you deserve any praise received for your lovely garden and friendly welcome Sue. And what a lovely idea the photo book was and a great memento for you – well done to your cousins
LikeLike