News Hot off the Press!!!
By spritzhenry
27 comments
Friends who visit us and members of GOY have asked why I don’t open my garden to the public. Well, my problem has always been that I see the bad bits and not the good, or the whole picture.
I also watched the BBC2 ‘Open Gardens’ programmes last year, which had the effect of completely turning me off the idea. I really couldn’t have coped with anybody coming to criticise my garden and telling me what was wrong with it – I could do that myself! That’s how the programmes came over to me. Then, through GOY I met new friends Grenville and Alan. Their reaction when they looked round the garden was that I should go for it! Alan took some great photos while they were here.
And the hot-off-the-press news is that the NGS Somerset County Organiser and her Deputy visited this afternoon for the assessment of the garden – they said YES and so my garden will be opening next year! We will be in the Yellow Book, joining other GOY members who already open their gardens for charity!
Obviously I am very nervous but also proud that they consider that my garden is good enough to open to the public.
Thank you Grenville and Alan for your ‘little push’ as well as invaluable advice. A special thank you to Alan for allowing me to use your fabulous photos!
Well, we are hoping that anyone who is able to will come and visit the garden and meet Henry (and me and husband). We’d be thrilled if any members could be with us! The dates are not yet finalised, but will probably be in June 2009.
16 Jul, 2008
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Comments
That's brilliant news. Don't worry about it - it does get easier the more open days you have! Don't fret about making the numbers tally with the takings - it's really quite informal.
This is our first year for the ngs. We opened on two weekends in May. The first day the county organiser came round before we opened. It was a little like an inspection by the sergeant major! When she returned from her circuit she said "there's just one thing......" we held our breaths and she continued, "what's the name of that peachy coloured rhododendrum?!" We breath a great sigh of relief - but couldn't answer her question!
16 Jul, 2008
How Fantastic Spritz Well Done, You must feel So Proud :D XXX
16 Jul, 2008
Well done, Barbara.Your garden looks lovely and well worth a visit!
16 Jul, 2008
awwwwwww spritz, thats great news. well done.
your garden is amazing and beautiful.
16 Jul, 2008
Brilliant news Spritz.Your garden is so beautiful I can't imagine how anyone could fail to love it.Well done for being so brave in such a good cause.The photographs are stunning.
16 Jul, 2008
Congratulations Barbara Your garden is truely beautiful and I am sure you will have lots of visitors Pity I dont live nearer I would be the first in line on your open day
16 Jul, 2008
Your gardens are lovely & inviting! If I were over there, I would love a stroll through! I'm sure you'll have a great turnout.
16 Jul, 2008
Congrats, Everyone will enjoy seeing your garden, its great!
16 Jul, 2008
This is fab news,Spritz! Give me the 2009 dates a.s.a.p. I want 2b there!
16 Jul, 2008
Wonderful news. Your pictures show have have a fantastic garden, nothing i can see that anyone could criticise - brilliant garden :-)
17 Jul, 2008
Congratulations!
17 Jul, 2008
Well Done !!!! Your garden is beautiful !
17 Jul, 2008
Congratulations. It's something I could never do - I'd be a nervous wreck.
17 Jul, 2008
Thanks, guys, for your lovely comments. I am a little 'shaky' about the huge step I've taken - but I know there's lots of help and support out there not only from the NGS people - but from friends too, both 'virtual' and in person - so we'll be OK!!
17 Jul, 2008
WoW your garden is amazing, and Congratulations from me..
17 Jul, 2008
Fantastic news! Your garden looks beautiful and will be an inspiration to those who visit, all the best and congratulations, your garden obviously has that magic element!
17 Jul, 2008
Well done spritz - I knew you could do it! Please get in touch if you have anything you want to ask about opening under the NGS. Don't forget my blogs about opening as well - they might give you a checklist of things to do before the big day. And don't worry, it always comes together on the day and everyone says complimentary things (and those that don't have bad taste anyway)
17 Jul, 2008
What wonderful news, Spritzhenry! Looking at the pictures (how lovely) from what little corner of your being came the doubts? If I lived anywhere near you, I'd certainly pay to take a tour!
17 Jul, 2008
Congratulations Spritz, that's fantastic news and utterly, utterly deserved. We'll be expecting to hear the dates when you know them :o)
The garden looks fantastic!
18 Jul, 2008
Congratulations from me too ..... Paul and I have enjoyed your garden through your posts here on GoY but to see it 'in the flesh' , we shall be putting the dates in our diaries as soon as you post them. :-D
Very well done!
18 Jul, 2008
Couldn't fail!
18 Jul, 2008
Oh Spritz, that is absolutely wonderful news, soooooo pleased for you! how could anyone critise your garden it is sooooo beautiful!i am hoping to be driving soon, so you never know me and Brooke may even attempt the journey! sorry have not been in touch recently - i have been really bad at it lately have'nt been reeding or writing blogs - i have just been so busy, i have been lucky to find the time just load my photos on, but hopefully things will calm down a bit now and i'll soon be getting back into the swing of things. xxxxx
20 Jul, 2008
Good to see you back again. I haven't been here much this month but had missed you, glad to know it has been the pace of life that took you away and not anything unpleasant.
I am trying to catch up on GoY's recent activities, would I be right in saying MikeC doesn't seem to be around either? I hope all is well with him too.
20 Jul, 2008
i was nervous just entering my garden for 'fareham in bloom', so i can imagine how you felt!!!!
your garden is fantastic, well done& good luck for next year.
23 Jul, 2008
Congratulations Spritzhenry...! I've been waiting to hear the great news...! I'm thrilled for you, and wish you the very best. I hope you have many new and wonderful adventures ahead of you, this is a once in a life time, exciting path you've chosen to take, so make sure and ride it for all it's worth my friend...lol. Wish I could be there on opening day ! Best wishes, I know you'll do great !
23 Jul, 2008
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Many congratulations . We are so pleased to hear the great news today, and its very well deserved Spritz. You have a fabulous garden, and we are so pleased that you have joined the National Gardens Scheme.
It's a wonderful organisation, and we would like to offer to be there to give you help and support on your open days next year.
Well done once again, and Alan is delighted that you like the photos of the garden,
With love and best wishes
from Grenville and Alan.
P.S. Lots of love to Henry as well! xx
16 Jul, 2008