A Garden Transformation

Our May meeting started with a discussion of this year's NFWI resolution 'Employment of more midwives'. Is there a chronic shortage of midwives or perhaps the workforce needs re-organisation? The birth rate has increased and we have higher expectations for babies born with special needs. After a brief discussion a show of hands revealed a unanimous vote for the resolution.
 
Our speaker for this meeting was Graham White on "Creating an NGS garden". Graham bought a house in Uttoxeter 20 years ago and spent 17 years transforming it into a beautiful garden that is now an entry in the famous “yellow book". The garden is ⅓ of an acre and started off as a totally blank canvas. Transported plants were quickly re-planted to save them. The summer house was positioned and the garden designed. Difficult slopes were levelled and drained. Graham wanted the concept of "garden rooms". Rose arches were constructed and connected by curved paths. An embankment at the end of the garden was a potential problem. Steps were the solution, built from new railway sleepers and a safety hand-rail fitted. A variety of ferns and grasses were discovered in this area and these were added to with hostas, astilbes and heucheras. A swampy area was dug and lined with Staffs stone to stabilise it. Graham’s garden has many interesting features like waterfalls, gazebo with seating area and artefacts positioned around the garden. A well-stocked greenhouse housing 400 varieties of cacti and succulents and a separate potting shed complete the picture.

In 2008 a friend suggested they open the garden for charity. After consideration the NGS was contacted and the garden was inspected. The visit was followed with the words "We would like to invite you to open for the National Garden Scheme". Three successful weekend openings have followed with 1271 people visiting, and £8600 has been raised for charities supported by the NGS. Graham’s opening weekend this year is 14-15 July.

Our next meeting is on Wednesday 13th June, however this is our birthday meeting so will be for past and present members and invited members from surrounding W.I. groups only. If you would like any more information on future meetings please contact Penny Bailey by clicking the link below
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