Old Town Open Gardens 10 July 12 - 5.30pm

 The much anticipated Old Town Open Gardens has happened, amid a heatwave, with temperatures reaching 28C, we had a glorious afternoon with 143 visitors to my garden. It couldn't have been so successful without the help of people who generously gave their time, like Jane Milner-Barry who greeted people as they arrived, Helen Young who also greeted visitors and donated a gorgeous cake, and Alison Burke helped Tim Carroll in the kitchen, making and serving cream teas and cake; and there was also a plant sale and Tim's ceramics were on sale. 

There were 11 gardens taking part, raising funds for Swindon City of Sanctuary, TWIGS and OTRA Gardens. I am thrilled to be able to say that we raised a magnificent £1925.40 in total, £735 has been sent to Swindon City of Sanctuary, £700 to TWIGS and £500 to OTRA gardens. 

As usual, it wasn't easy to find time to take photos, Jane took a lovely one from by the gate which I'll start with:

I took a photo about 6.30am, which I also like:

I then tried a few more during the day

Here's Jane on the gate, ready to greet the next visitors

More people in the garden

One of my favourite plants, an Inula, growing between brick paving

More people having afternoon teas

After it was over, many of the participants came round for drinks and snacks and to share how the day went, Carole Bent kindly took this photo of us:

I think that's a lovely photo, thank you Carole. 

Carole also took these 3 photos which show different aspects of the garden in a way which wouldn't have occurred to me

Jane took another interesting photo of the garden ticket and the garden blurry in the background which is rather nice

I've just been out into the garden to see how it's bearing up in the heat. The favourite plant, as voted by visitors asking about it was Campanula Loddon Anna. I've just looked it up, it supposedly grows to 4feet tall, mine is over 7 feet tall, which makes me question what it is. Here are a couple of photos:

Above with Nepeta Six Hills Giant in front and below a close up:

It's a really spectacular plant. Other things which grabbed my attention this afternoon were the Dierama, or angel's fishing rod by the pond:

and

A sunflower

Above Crocosmia Lucifer 'trussed up' as a visitor commented! I must try and collect hazel twigs to support plants before they grow large to avoid the trussing situation.

I rather like this combo of an Acer and a different, more orangey Crocosmia together.

So that's it for this year as far as open gardens go. When should we hold it next year? Not Wimbledon men's final weekend. If you'd like to take part next year, please get in touch, and if you'd like to visit OTOG next year, please keep a look out for the date. We have a Facebook page.