Latest News - September 2025

This year our Open Gardens was held at Coles, Basing Dean, Privett on the afternoon of Saturday 26 July.

The event was very well attended; the rain showers held off and we enjoyed glorious sunshine. Everyone had a wonderful afternoon in the exquisite garden at Coles. Our thanks go to Shuna and Mike MacKillop-Hall. It was lovely to see Coles in its summer glory in contrast to the well renowned stunning spring and autumn colour. Mike gave a very interesting tour sharing his passion for the many mature and semi mature trees throughout the garden. The cutting garden and the Pollinator Patch were stunning – an absolute riot of colour and insects. Shuna and Mike have developed the garden over the years and the flowerbeds sit comfortably in the parkland landscape.

Refreshments were served on the lawns where visitors could relax and enjoy the stunning garden. Both the Pimms tent and the Tea tent were as popular as ever with a fantastic selection of delicious cakes to choose from. Bargains were to be had at the well stocked Plant and Produce Stall, which proved popular. The profit for the event was very pleasing and will be shared between the Garden Club and The National Garden Scheme. The Committee, once again, are to be congratulated on the excellent organisation and running of the day.

On Saturday 16 August we held our Summer Show at Froxfield Village Hall. The entrants came up trumps yet again and the judges were very impressed with the high standard of the entries despite it having been a difficult year with high temperatures and no rainfall. Visitors enjoyed the afternoon perusing the flowers and produce on display and sampling our delicious tea and cake and snatching a bargain at the Plant and Produce Stall.

Our next meeting and AGM is on Tuesday 7 October 2025 at Privett Village Hall at 7.30pm and our speaker will be Marina Christopher. There will be more information in next month’s Parish Magazine.