Three coffee mornings have been arranged this year and we are grateful to everyone who has offered to host one. They all start at 10am and finish at 12:30pm. The cost is £2 (includes coffee). The person holding the coffee morning may also ask for a contribution to, or sell plants for, their favourite charity.
David and Judy Pollitt, Cowsden Green Farmhouse, Cowsden, Upton Snodsbury, WR7 4NX
A two thirds of an acre garden that has evolved from a field over 15 years and is still being developed. The rear contains a vegetable garden and small orchard while the front faces out onto open countryside and is laid out with large island beds planted with perennials, a rose garden, a fishpond with mature koi carp and a woodland walk. Dedicated iris beds offer a blaze of colour in June.
Thirty-five of us enjoyed coffee and cakes while admiring Judy and David Pollitt's superb display of irises. Their garden looking out over the Vale of Evesham was in splendid shape with a great deal of further interest to any Hardy Planter, though the irises really were the stars of the show.
Linda Fernyhough, The Arles, Hadley, Droitwich, WR9 OAU
Three quarters of an acre of mixed borders just outside Ombersley. July should see the hemerocallis at their very best.
Over thirty of us found our way to Linda's on a beautiful, warm morning. We had been enticed by promises of day lilies and weren't disappointed. They took their places amongst the rest of the planting, including one long deep border which everyone particularly admired . The whole garden was colourful, but disciplined with some outstanding groupings which were obviously the product of much thought and knowledge.
Cole Hardy Plants, Meadow Farm, 33 Droitwich Road, Feckenham, B96 6RU
One acre of garden with perennials, shrubs, alpines and trees plus a three quarter acre wildflower meadow which should still be looking good in August. There is also a three quarter acre nursery which is not normally open to the public from which we have the opportunity to buy plants.
Coffee morning at Cole Hardy Plants, Feckenham, on a warm and sunny day in August; a treat in many ways! We were warmly welcomed with the offer of home made cakes and coffee, and a nursery and garden, not normally open to the public, but with lots of "wow" factor!
Rob and Diane Cole have built up a very interesting and well stocked nursery, growing many of their plants from seed. Tempting treasures to buy at affordable prices!
And it was a delight to be able to wander round their south facing sloping garden, beautifully planted and designed with an interesting mixture of old favourites and some more unusual plantings. Rob's experience as an architect was very evident in the whole design of the garden which was truly inspirational.
