The Whiteshill & Ruscombe Open Gardens
The sun shone brightly and yellow flags fluttered for the Whiteshill & Ruscombe
Open Gardens event at the end of June, with visitors from around the Five Valleys
arriving to see the sixteen wonderful gardens that were on ‘the trail’.
With the map starting (or ending if preferred), in Farmhill, meandering through
Whiteshill into Ruscombe, everyone was rewarded with stunning wildflower
meadows, beautifully tended borders and lawns, eclectic choices of flowers, not to
mention some prize vegetable plots. Working in partnership with the Whiteshill &
Ruscombe Biodiversity Group, there were also a great number of nature-friendly,
wild spaces and a number of ponds with newts. For those younger visitors there
was also the wonderful opportunity of meeting and cuddling a couple of gorgeous
donkeys.
Weary feet were then rested, and recommendations were swapped at St Paul’s
church where refreshments were served in the newly created ‘café church’.
Delicious homemade cakes and bakes, with teas and coffee being on offer both here
and in Upper Kitesnest Lane meant that an enjoyable weekend was had by all, with
some gardens attracting over 150 visitors on one day alone. The church was
‘buzzing’ and profits of just over £1,700 were made to church ‘restoration fund’.
Thank you to everyone who attended, but in particular to those gardeners who
allowed us all to tramp through their beautiful gardens.