We're always lucky with the weather on NGS Day but, to quote a popular phrase, it certainly was a scorcher this year! We shared the opening with Prue Leith's garden in the village so it was a busy day in Chastleton with visitors going between the two gardens.
Jane, our part-time gardener, and the garden volunteers had all worked really hard to make sure the garden was looking at its best in the days leading up to the event.
The Kitchen Garden
The Best Garden
There was lots going on in the garden - with garden tours, croquet, and a chance to find about Chastleton wildlife; and the plant and produce stalls proved popular amongst visitors.
Jane C by the produce and plant stalls
We took it in turns to man the gate to the garden - luckily a parasol provided some shade!
Alex and Mary
Dawn and Julie
The croquet team played all afternoon:
Sallie's table was laid out with leaflets and she talked to visitors about what wildlife they'd seen in the garden:
We took it in turns to sit in the shade in the Kitchen Garden but also tried to carry on gardening despite the heat!
Julie having a rest in a shady spot but Jane H carries on gardening!
Straight lines and wigwams in the Kitchen Garden
There were places to cool down though in the Wilderness Garden.
Foxgloves and lilies looking beautiful in the sunshine:
Jean was kept busy in the Brewhouse with drinks and her lovely homemade cakes.
This must have been a popular cake! Only crumbs left...
Despite the heat, the volunteers kept on with the topiary cutting schedule.
Mary, Roger, and Alex mean business!
Alex and Mary
Julie Charlesworth
All photos by John Hackston
