Period garden opening for charity

[Nigel Watts]

The National Garden Scheme raises money for charity by arranging for private gardens to be opened to the public on specified days. The admission fees and proceeds from the sale of plants and refreshments are all given to good causes which this year include a number of cancer charities and the National Trust.

My neighbour across the street has being opening her garden for several years now and was keen to recruit others in the road. I agreed last year, but in the end couldn't do it because the house was still in scaffolding which severely restricted access. This year however I had no excuse and we are both opening on the afternoon of Sunday 9th June:

http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/garde...rch=type:advanced-pc:N7+8LS-d:1-dr:5&id=25137

Our garden, though tiny, has a lot of hard landscaping which was damaged a few years ago by subsidence caused by an enormous Eucalyptus tree which we eventually had to get rid of. Since no builder was interested in taking on the fiddly task of repairing it I have been slaving away at it myself. The upside is that my exterior rendering skills are improving by the day.

If any PPUKers can make it you will be most welcome. We are less than 5 minutes walk from Highbury & Islington tube.

 

[LadyArowana]

I wish I was going to be in London, have fond memories of meeting up with you and Joce. Hope there are some other members who can go.

 

[Penners]

I wish I could go!

But I can't...

 

[DJH]

So do I.

 

[PeterI]

Can we have a wander round inside?

We're still miles away from decoration dilemmas but I've always liked your interior photos and right now we're just feeling a bit depressed over the cost of builders and could do with some inspiration.

 

[JoceAndChris]

Not around on the 9th, unfortunately. I rode past your street on Weds though, on the 43, and sent some positive vibes for good growing conditions and no greenfly. I'd love to be part of that scheme, one day, and wish you all the best.

(I'm backwards and forwards between BC and Highgate right now, would be lovely to catch up)

 

[Nigel Watts]

Can we have a wander round inside?

I would be happy to show you round. Given the focus on getting the garden sorted the inside might be a bit chaotic though.

 

[Svenedin]

I am sorry to hijack this thread but my garden is also open on the 9th of June 1400-1700 in Croydon, Surrey. This is nothing as grand as the national gardens scheme but an annual event to raise funds for the NSPCC. Here is a link to some basic details (I don't organise these events). I will try to scan a flyer which gives more information but I am not sure that my scanner still works! Weather permitting we should have plenty of roses to see (old and modern varieties) and my collection of citrus (oranges, lemons, limes, kumquat, mandarin etc). This is a small garden and, in my opinion, not worth travelling far to see but if you are local it may be of interest. There is also a front garden, mainly roses. One other garden is open on the same day and is a short walk away. Entry is by donation, £2.50 per garden or £4 for both. Refreshments will be available.

http://community.vivastreet.co.uk/activities+croydon-cr0/nspcc-croydon-open-gardens/71938352

 

[PeterI]

Can we have a wander round inside?

I would be happy to show you round. Given the focus on getting the garden sorted the inside might be a bit chaotic though.

Thanks.

 

[wobs]

Good luck to all who do this!

We have just moved into an area that has an open garden event annually:
http://avenuesopengardens.com/

Don't think ours is up to standard though.

 

[Juju]

Hi Nigel
We're coming to see your garden on Sunday! The weather forecast looks good. Looking forward to seeing you again. Is it 2 years since our PPUK party in Witney?
Juju

 

[Nigel Watts]

That's wonderful! I look forward to seeing you. Tour of the house - which is still work in progress - will be included for all PPUK visitors.

 

[PeterI]

Annoyingly due to a minor family illness I now can't make it this weekend.

 

[LadyArowana]

Good Luck Nigel, I hope it all goes very well. Would be lovely to see some pictures

 

[Nigel Watts]

Despite the sun not putting in an appearance I am pleased to report that we took £328 and our neighbour across the street took over £400 and we now have a garden which is tidier that it has ever been. I am taking the day off today to recover.

 

[Juju]

I can report that Nigel's garden is lovely and he gave us a tour of his beautiful house - fab to see all his projects in the flesh! My brother came too as he lives just up the road from Nigel and he went away with ideas for new colour schemes...

I love the colour of the railings and the window frames - what make/colour is it Nigel? Ta.

Juju

 

[Moo]

I'm sure I'm not the only one who was unable to attend who would love to see some photos...

 

[Nigel Watts]

Thank you for your kind comments.

the colour of the railings and the window frames - what make/colour is it Nigel?

Little Greene's Invisible Green Oil Eggshell. It does change colour outside however. Most of the paintwork was done a year ago. When I retouched the garden gate and kitchen doors I noticed that the fresh paint was much yellower.

Pictures will be posted when I get my computer back from by 13 year old son, who has hijacked it for making YouTube videos.

 

[Nigel Watts]

 

[Penners]

Now I REALLY wish I'd been able to come - beautiful!

Nigel, what's the lovely plant with pink bells in the penultimate picture? Is it a form of campanula?