Imagine all those beautiful large gardens we can visit in the Cotswolds!
But then, I realise that that I get just as much pleasure walking around our villages and seeing what is growing in gardens, along pathways and in the hedgerows.
In fact, visiting those superb large gardens can make you feel rather inadequate although half an hour back in your own plot puts everything to rights.
Throughout the year there are so many sights to lift the spirits. The daffs around Milton playing field, beautiful magnolias in peoples gardens, fresh green foliage and moss on stones and tree trunks. Wild flowers in the summer and the glorious sight of a mass of ox eye daisies. Even bare trees silhouetted against a lowering sky.
It’s not just plants that catch the eye when you’re out walking. There’s the pleasing sight of old buildings, iron railings, (a particular favourite of mine), a carefully tended front garden and of course the pleasure of stopping to chat with friends.
I feel gardeners are especially aware of the wildlife that surrounds us just because we spend so much time outdoors. The fieldfares on fallen apples, the arrival of the swifts and swallows, the song of the skylark and the bats on a summer’s evening.
Also rather less appealing, evidence of badgers after they’ve eaten all your carrots and laid the tops out neatly in a row and the mysterious disappearance of pea seeds until you see a fat mouse scuttling away.
Taking children to the Wild Garden is fun. Seeing their delight as they explore the wood and ponds with the added attraction of DUCKS, a surefire winner.
Further afield visits to plant shows like Malvern and Chelsea are an opportunity to see the best of the best and to share your garden passions with knowledgeable experts. Not to mention the joy of acquiring a new plant, well plants, which you just know you’ll be able to squeeze in somewhere!
June and July are special months in the garden. All the hard work has paid off, the veg is growing and the plants are flowering their hearts out. It’s time to sit down with a cuppa or even better a glass of wine and enjoy.
Nicky Pratt
