My garden is in a terrible state, this is why I'm here... I am looking for a keen gardener who would like to spend two weeks in Cornwall this summer (15-29 August) in a lovely house near the sea (tywardreath, 5 minutes from the Eden Project) in exchange of a little bit of garderning (not much) and stroking a cat...

Do get in touch if you are interested !

 

Our garden & allotment club visited this garden last Saturday 12th July and It is the view of all the members that it was gardens well worth the visit. Work on restoring these gardens only stated in 2001 and considering the small team of gardeners and volunteers they have made excellent progress. For further information go to www.eastonwalledgardens.co.uk

Hi All

I am organising a major garden sculpture exhibition which I hope will be of interest. There are over 30 sculptors from across the country paricipating with 130 pieces of work on display. In addition there will be sculpture stalls. The event will take place at Russells nursery in Baginton Coventry CV8 3AG and the works will be displayed in 5 main areas: a 6 acre quarry garden, a series of herbaceous gardens, an amazing maze, courtyard gardens and a pool area. All gardens are opening as part of the National Garden Scheme so hopefully we will raise some serious funds for charity. If anyone would like any further details call me on 07799311438. The quarry garden opened as part of the NGS on the May bank holiday and gardening enthusiasts were suitably impressed.

In previous years, we have only been open on one day a year, May bank holiday (26th May) from 11am to 5pm, in conjunction with other gardens in thvillage. New for 2008, we're also open on Tuesday afternoons during May, June and July, from 1.00pm to 5pm.

Admission is £5.00 for adults, with children free. (Please note the House is NOT open to the public.)

We hope more visitors will be able to enjoy the gardens at Toddington Manor this year, and as last year the open day weather was dreadful there is more chance of seeing the garden at its best on a lovely sunny afternoon!

In addition, we are open for pre-booked groups (25-30 Maximum) during May, June and July. Please ring for details. (01525) 872576

The much anticipated yet dreaded letter has arrived. Each year i open my garden here in Hungerford during the Hungerford and District Community Arts Festival. Still its the wake up call i need  to get things into shape. I had planned to take some time off this weekend to spend in the garden. My poor garden suffers from lack of attention as work always comes first.  Still I can't complain about being busy. I really enjoy  opening the garden. I meet so many people and have made new friends. Some people come back every year to see what has changed or developped. 2 years ago we started to do an open eveing as well as day time openings which have proved to be very successful. We light different areas of the garden and have music playing. People can wander around with a complimentary glass of wine and it ends up as a garden party. We also raise money for charity. This year as last year we will be raising money for the John O gaunt school Ghana exchange programme.

Oh dear its blowing a blizzard out there so no gardening today!

This time last year I received emails from all my gardening friends telling me how mild and sunny the weather was already.  For the month of March this is no longer a surprise as in the last few years the season starts much earlier, especially here in France.  Those writing to me could not know how this inspiring information frustratred to me.  In the sub Antarctic where I was, this period is the beginning of their winter and the weather worsened daily - icy rain, sleet and snow settling on the mountains.  I wanted to be back in my home in Normandy, France, see the miracle of the first trees in flower.  This year I am here and I am preparing to visit some of my favourite gardens which for administrative reasons only open to the public in April (somebody will tell them about the changes to our climate soon)! An album for some  favourite gardens I know will be an on going contribution to this gardening network. 

I drove into Paris from Normandy yesterday where the variation in temperature as usual  impressed me.
Paris is ablaze with spring flowers.  I took time out to stand and gaze at a magnolia stellata in full bloom - very impressive.  I will return and take a photo to upload for everybody to admire.
Last year I missed this regular spectacle that I have enjoyed so much for 30 years off and on .  I  participated on a French scientific mission for five months from November to April on the Sub Antarctic archepelago of Kerguelen.  A very enriching experience, limited on the flora but abundant fauna.
It will be time soon to go admire some of the numerous public gardens in and around Paris, that this year I intend enjoying to the maximum.