We went to a very special garden yesterday. The purpose of our visit was to see the tree that had been planted in memory of our friend, the children's author Dick King-Smith.
The garden is special because it was created to be enjoyed by children who are terminally ill. They come, with their families, to Charlton Farm, the Children's Hospice South West, which describes itself as a 'special home-from-home for life-limited children.'
It is the most beautiful and impressive place, funded almost entirely by volunteer action.
See their website www.chsw.org.uk to find out about their community fundraising. Just by sending them used postage stamps, old printer cartridges, mobile phones or unwanted costume jewellery they can raise thousands of pounds.I am putting photographs and details of the Charlton Farm buildings and Dick's connection with it on Miss Cellany.
Do take a look.
A small hide-away arbour has been created of living willow.
A small hide-away arbour has been created of living willow.Beyond a willow tunnel can be glimpsed a dry stream bed that weaves through the garden under several bridges.
Perfumed roses and lavender greet visitors in the courtyard entrance at Charlton Farm.
In my own garden we are having such uncertain weather that sometimes the only connection with it is through the kitchen window, rather frustrating when there is so much outside that I would like to be doing. Warm temperatures and rainfall are combining to grow plants and weeds alike at a great pace.
These garden peas are producing lovely blooms, pretty enough to pick. They are the 'Blauwschokker' variety that I got at the seed swap event earlier in the year. I hope the peas will taste as good as their flowers look!
At a rare plant sale a few years ago I bought this very pretty sanguisorba. It has an attractive, delicate leaf and I think that in the autumn I shall attempt to split it and place the division somewhere where the plant can display itself more comfortably. I keep having to stake it in its present position, to the detriment of the plant.Favourites are flowering now, lavender and thyme, I just need some reliable sunshine so that I can be outside enjoying their perfume.
What a lovely thing to build a garden for children with catastrophic illnesses. The garden is beautiful. I understand your frustration with the rain. We experienced the same in the early spring, but now we are desperate for rain. There are others suffering far more than we are here.
ReplyDeleteThat hospice garden is so restful and beautiful too. Your garden looks tremendous - and if there are any weeds they are well hidden.
ReplyDeleteI saw the film 'Babe' for the first time the other night, Cher.
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful and special garden I will definitely be checking out the Charlton Farm website.
ReplyDeleteYour garden looks gorgeous, I hope you get some good weather soon, so you can enjoy it.
XXX
what a sweet garden and sweet mission.
ReplyDeletethose peas are going to taste fabulous, i just know it.
hope all is well in jolly old england rosemary.
xo
janet
The volunteers have done a wonderful job and bless their hearts. To lose a child is the worst of all lifes's trials, but to have neighbors who care shows the kindness and compassion of their community.
ReplyDeleteSame problem here with the weather. Rain or overcoming heat all the time. Garden and weeds growing well.
Dear All, Thank you for your comments, Charlton Farm really is the most inspiring place.
ReplyDeleteSummer finally seems to have arrived and I'm heading 'home' to North Yorkshire. I can smell the sweet hay in the meadow already!
I love this idea, something we should do in Hawaii..thank you! I love your garden and understand perfectly the weather encouraging plants and weeds! Aloha! Connie
ReplyDeleteawesome!
ReplyDeleteskodi