NEWSLETTER 27

We have had a wonderfully sunny summer but the heat and the drought is taking its toll on many gardens and proving a challenge to our keen gardeners. That said, we have had some fantastic gardens open this year, many for the first time. New garden openers have thoroughly enjoyed the experience of sharing their gardens with visitors and being able to raise valuable sums to help the charities caring for children and young people with life changing illnesses and handicaps.

In addition to the gardens we have had two events made possible by the kind participation of some of our Partner Gardens. We held a wonderful picnic in the park style concert in the beautiful surroundings of the Arboretum de La Sedelle. It was a magical evening with entertainment by Whiskey Paradis, playing a blend of Blues, Country and Rock music

The other, a rather quieter affair, was a guided tour given by Béatrix d’Ussel of her acclaimed Arboretum du Chateau de Neuvic d’Ussel, together with the potager and her private chapel, followed by a wonderfully convivial picnic. Our thanks go out to all who participated.

The team have been busy at plant fairs too, the larger events were at Lyon in the spring, Nantes in September and we will be at Chantilly in October.   We have also had stands at many smaller fairs where it has been a pleasure to meet both old and new members and visitors. If you have a Plant fair in your area that you feel would be a good opportunity to promote the work that we do then please let Sue Lambert, our garden Development manager know about it. We also have available an explanatory letter that we would be delighted to send out for anyone to use in their local Bulletin Municipal or newspaper to inform the public about the activities of Open Gardens and the ways to become involved. 

Up and down the country the visiting of gardens, partaking of refreshments and the meeting of new people has been much appreciated by many. If you have photos of your event or a garden that you have visited please share them with us so that we can spread the word and encourage others to take part.

So as the season draws to a close, we will soon be announcing the monies that we are able to donate thanks to all your hard work and unstinting generosity.  We are delighted that the Presentations will again be made this year by Prince Amyn Aga Khan, at the Journées des Plantes de Chantilly in October.
 

Here’s hoping for a little rain through the cooler months to refill the aquifers and refresh our gardens. 

 Karen Roper
Présidente