Who is opening their garden this year?

Does anyone here do this- or would consider doing it?

Ive been approached to open my garden for a weekend this summer as part of a local festival. Im inclined to say no. Im racing most weekends, plus my garden is big but not huge.

Im concerned about damage not to mention randoms walking about the place.
Its one thing hosting hulking great sporty types but this is different. Im assuming I cant refuse someone admission on the grounds I dont like their hair or footwear.

But then I do access via side gates so people wouldnt have to come through the house, and I could show off my dazzling cooking skills... Half a sheep on a spit; a little lemon, thyme, garlic- hello!

But then, it'll take forever to remove the landmines, trip wires and the Mad Max flame thrower on the roof. I have concerns my robust security measures wont make it past the initial health and safety check.

My apocalyptic fantasies aside, have people's experiences of opening up to the public been largely positive?

 

Hi Melinda .
I had an open garden day (Usually first Sunday in July) for a number of years . I don't have a large garden but at the time I did it for our local Elderly Care Centre..Very rewarding, but a fair amount of effort needed...I had no spare seating areas, so my nieghbour (who only has a lawned garden) allowed us to take a fence panel out and we had refreshments and seating in his garden ..Plants for sale as well ..I have not had it for a couple of years due to health issues, but would do it again should the circumstances arise ..
Dave

 

Shiney is ace! :D I'll wait for him to crack me up laughing with tales of Mothers' Union types nicking bits off his viburnums!


Hey Dave

Wow- you removed a fence panel! Seriously, decent neighbour!

I get the feeling there is a lot more involved in this enterprise than Im expecting.

 

Worth doing early in the year as a means of forcing you to get your garden in order - and then it will be Apple-Pie order for the rest of the season (says me who only did it once and vowed never again!)

I think if you are keen then do the Yellow Book as that will attract gardeners, rather than local rubber-neckers and joint-casers :(

 

Hey Shiney

Thanks for the run down of general responsibilities. I live in a rather insular conservation area and the local association and rotary are having a week long festival. There are stalls, and craft workshops and historical tours and sports events though the week- its fairly well advertised.

I'd have people to help- well probably. The entire boat club turned out to move my gear back from University in convoy. But goodness me, that sounds like an awful lot of preparatory work and worry-
I can get rather precise and technical and since most of my friends dont know one end of a spade from another, Id be doing this work alone. I'll have to see how many other people sign up and how guilty I feel.

Shiney, regarding your beetles- Im happy to fashion a bespoke flame thrower and other tools of mass destruction to take them on. I give you fair warning, as in any conflict, there may be a fair bit of collateral damage of the 'We had to destroy the village to save the village' variety, but I guarantee victory! HURRAH!

 

I'm sure the good folk here will help with that bit

 

Quick update.

Ive been running about trying to tidying things up because Ive agreed to open the garden after all, but its an invite only drinks reception rather than a free for all. It'll be around my birthday and so Im combing the events and so hopefully the flame thrower and gun turrets will not be necessary.

I need to thank you all for the advice about renovating doors and chairs which has helped me retain a semblance of control! Im just waiting for my appalling lawn to green up and I'll be happy.

 

Ok this goes down tomorrow evening and Im twitchy. I've had forty RSVPs.
I'll be serving home made elderflower champagne, mojitos, and fruit platters. I wasnt about to cook for forty.

Ive got quite a bit of help- I just hope the weather holds out. Ive borrowed a patio heater and a lot of rather fine wrought iron seating. My mother and her friends took pity on me after I mentioned clearing up the plastic seats!!

I should have asked earlier about outdoor lighting.
I settled for 14 various storm lanterns to light pathways and to hang from sconces, trees and fencing, plus a massive box of church candles.
I did wonder about solar lights but didnt see any I liked.

Please see below the birthday card my sister gave me, my mother was horrified. I laughed like a drain and my mother made one of her all too frequent mentions of our expensive education. My sister is my very best girl and is currently (well for the past 20 years) my favourite person on the planet.

 

I 've been asked twice by the local garden club for their annual garden tours in June. But their date is so close to our return from our holiday away that it would stress me too much to get ready, and work too.
And, I am not sure I want strangers roaming around the property. We live in a private area. So for now, not showing my gardens only on You tube.

 

Do you need lights? I haven't come in from the garden until 9PM the last couple of nights, and it was light enough to be working outside ...

Otherwise I'm sure your sister will know how to encourage them all to leave when it gets dark! and perhaps your Mum could help her?!!

Hope it goes well, you have good weather, and the local festival is a great success