Social Events

During the working season which runs from March through November, we have two social events in the garden.
Our Open Day in July allows the gardeners to entertain family, friends and visitors, the gardeners enjoy showing the work they have acheived and are happy to answer questions about their work and visits here. There are fun and games on the terrace, with tombola, tea and cakes and an excellent BBQ run by Phil.
Our end of season 'Get-Together' is a fun party for the gardeners, volunteers and invited guests. Held in the Potting shed in late November we have to be inventive due to space restrictions. Funny games , tea and cake, present giving and a good time to say goodbye until the next season


Our gardeners are now back to work coming in their Covid safe bubbles, we are unable to use the Potting Shed but we are able to take our tea breaks outside with the aid of a large umbrella! The garden; like a lot of places seems to be behind so we will not have our usual array of jams but lots of delicious Elderflower Cordial and some potatoes for the Open Day.


​During the Corona virus 'lockdown' the garden has been kept going by the very hard work of our Project Manager - Jean Burgess. Single handed she has, sown seeds, weeded terraces and planted out when the seedlings were ready. There is an amazing variety of vegetables and soft fruits on the terraces and in the green house.  We have been very busy making jams from our fruit and the volunteers had a very interesting socially distanced go at apple picking for the apple juice we sell. As well as all this hard work Jean has managed to keep us all in touch with the 'goings-on' in the garden, using her very imaginative sense of humour. She writes a regular blog about the inhabitants of the garden and what they have been up to trying to support her in the work. The Scarecrow is named Scary Biker and his dog is Plackie as he is made up from old un-recyclable plastic. They are always trying to help but this effort is not always successful!!
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                                         OPEN DAY REVIEW
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 The Open Day was on the 17th July which was a sizzling day from early on right through the day. There was shaded areas for our guests and volunteers, especially Phil and Keith under their gazebo cooking  the BBQ!     Cold drinks, tea and coffee was served throughout the day with a variety of delightful cakes supplied by St Anthony's.
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It was Rosie the pony's  30th birthday so games of horseshoe throwing was held in her honour, won by Rowan who received an
invitation for a 'behind the scenes' visit to Ashdown Riding Centre planned by Rosie's friends 'Hippo and Oscar'. Rita's Tombola stall was a great attraction and success with most people gaining a prize. The 'Name the Tiger' competition was won by Rachel with the excellent name of Raja - she was very happy to carry him home.

​There were 53 people who visited the gardens and all admired the work carried out by our gardeners and volunteers. Scary the scarecrow was at his best having had a considerable 'facelift' and hair cut. Produce, juices and jams were on sale made from our own fruit and vegetables.

A footnote from our Project Manager: Very many thanks to everyone who came to the Open Day, whether as a visitor, or helper - it wouldn't be special without every one of you.