These photos were taken on Monday, after the frantic activity of the previous day’s ‘Secret Gardens of St Helens’ event (organised by yours truly) where 12 village gardens opened in aid of the Hampshire and Isle of Wight Air Ambulance. Whilst I can already point to areas where my organisation could be improved upon, I’m delighted to report that we had over 300 visitors and took over £3,000. And, on a tastier note, someone said my Victoria Sandwich was the best on the Isle of Wight!
The garden was really looking spick and span thanks in a very large part to my lovely helpers – the OH, both my children, and neighbours M and J – who all pulled out the stops on Saturday and Sunday morning to rescue various areas of the garden from general chaos (so that’s what the greenhouse floor looks like!) as well as (M) potting up bits of random vegetation to sell.
So here’s the tour:
Entry via the steps and past the old copper pot, admiring the (ahem accidental) matching of the Callistemon and the container planting,
and on past the Flower Carpet roses (which generated plenty of enthusiastic comments).
Past the greenhouse pots and into the greenhouse,
on past the barrow
to the decking. admiring the pelagoniums
and dahlias.
On to the the veg patch
and then round to the Swing Beds.
A quick pause at the Grass Beds to admire the view
and another pot
and then a pause at the steps to look over to the office (nice bunting!)
and then up to the greenhouse.
Up the lavender steps and across to the other end of the garden
and finally, a seat at the table, and a cup of tea.
With thanks to all my helpers and cake donators as well as all the other garden openers, their helpers, the ticket sellers and poster putter uppers.
Yes I’m still feeling a little kn*ckered, but would I do it again – of course!
Duver Diary 
Jenny, the garden looks absolutely fantastic ! I know you had helpers but obviously the majority of work was down to you – I don’t know how you fit everything in and of course your Vic Sandwich was the best – probably another recipe I need 😃🌷🌸🌹🌺🎂🍰
The garden rewarded all your hard work. In spades! It looks fabulous. Now you have it to enjoy for the rest of the summer.
Your garden looks great, thanks for the tour!
Jen, the garden looks amazing! You can tell all the hard work was worth it. And as for the Victoria Sandwich, let’s face it, your Mum was the best teacher so I’m not surprised. X
It all looks so neat and tidy, now that the visitors have been and gone! Well done on the organisation and the amount raised – isn’t it wonderful how much money can be made just from people visiting gardens?! Glad the cake went down well too 🙂
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