Summer Evening Garden Party
2014

Friday 25 July at 7.00pm

John and Lesley Bryant, Stoulton

The Tynings is a half acre acclaimed plantsman’s garden generously planted with rare trees and shrubs. Features include a specialist collection of lilies, many unusual climbers and rare ferns. There are surprises around every corner, and lovely views of the Norman Church and surrounding countryside.

On a cool evening in July about thirty members and friends were warmly welcomed by John and Lesley to their lovely garden in Stoulton. Luckily the earlier rain had stopped in time for our visit but had provided a fresh feel to the plants.

The first to catch my eye was the Catalpa bignonioides ‘Aurea’ which was in full flower. I looked ruefully at my specimen the next morning and was delighted to find one flower panicle – the first ever.

John’s lilies were looking wonderful with scent that pervaded the atmosphere. His many interesting rare shrubs and trees were at their best and dahlias were coming into bloom. An herbaceous clematis, usually grown as ground cover, was trained up a trellis which was very effective and an idea I thought I could try to copy next year. Ferns are an interest of mine and in one shady corner there were several rare examples. A small pond was unusually situated under a house window and the arbour gave a convenient area to sit and eat.

As usual, there were many varied contributions of food and we can always rely on Lesley for her Eton Mess!

Many thanks to John and Lesley for allowing us to use their garden for our party. In all, a convivial evening in tranquil surroundings.

Leila Mantle