IMG_6139It’s over. My first garden opening has left feelings of satisfaction, pride, friendship and aching limbs.

We had about 70 visitors yesterday, not bad for our first opening. Several came by bike and all seem to have had a good time, soaking up the heat, the garden and some delicious tea and cakes. Many made positive noises about the garden and the Courtyard seems to have been a particular hit. It was particularly interesting to meet a former pupil at the School- back in 1937 – and a new neighbour. Friends,colleagues and neighbours helped to make the event a success:

  • Keith Broughton brought along his restored 1969 Saab car – it was fascinating hearing about the hours of skillful work he’d put into this project
  • Michaela Boggis and colleagues from Jelly Cottage Nursery brought along a fantastic range of very healthy looking plants and many visitors were seen clutching their purchases as they left
  • Steve Mosley and John Nicholson from Master Garden and Composter respectively put on a display and gave out helpful advice on growing your own food and making your own soil
  • Sharon Brett from Cawston Primary School was selling plants and mugs to mark the school’s 60th birthday and was telling people about the work on outdoor learning, including gardening that she and I have been doing at the School
  • My wife, Deborah and friend Joan Mosley did sterling work as the ‘refreshment ladies’ serving afternoon teas and cakes.

So a very big THANK YOU to all of them and most of all to mother Nature who put on a wonderful display for all to enjoy (including blackbird nest and mole hill)!

I’m now planning a few days of rather less frenetic activity. But first a trip to the bank to pay in the proceeds of the day and to then write three cheques for around £100 to each of the three ‘good causes’ we were supporting:

  • Norfolk Master Gardeners
  • Cawston School Gardening
  • St. Peter’s Church

Here are a few pictures from the day to give you a sense of the atmosphere – if you were one of the visitors, then thank you for your support and maybe we’ll see you again!

One of several fine Cauliflowers- ‘Snowball’
Home made obelisks in Old School Garden used for Runner Beans and Sweet Peas

Old School Gardener