Our guests started to arrive at midday and although the weather had turned a bit chilly the sun started to appear from behind the dissipating clouds.  Apart from a sudden 10 minute hail storm which sent everyone running into the Cider House for cover, the weather stayed good for the remainder of the day.

Catherine Jago, RHS Chelsea winner gave two talks on Spring Planting which were well received and resulted in requests for some groups to bring their members for a special visit with tea or lunch, a glass of Tarrington Court wine and a private tour of the gardens.

The children were delighted with a garden quiz, hunting around 5 acres of garden for items including three little pigs, a tree elf and 2 crouching girls, with every entrant receiving a well deserved prize.

Visitors commented that the gardens looked stunning - the intense preparation for the day had paid off - with over 170 visitors and over £1,000 raised for Charity - £750 on the gate going to NGS Charities and £260 profit from the teas going to the Charity Growing Point who encourage and assist people who are unable to manage traditional methods of growing plants to enjoy the therapeutic benefits of horticultural activities, individual needs being met through utilising several alternative gardening techniques together with various tools and accessories.  For more information visit their website www.growingpoint.org.uk

There was so much to be seen around Tarrington Court gardens and visitors stayed for hours admiring all the wonderful statues, ornamentation and lettering.  From the top of the turf mounds the Malvern Hills could be seen in the distance and various tulips around the garden were just beginning to open.  The stream babbled under the turf bridge passing by the African garden and between the large tree ferns.

Guests finally left, stopping off for tea and cakes at Tarrington's Lady Emily Community Hall, vowing to return in September expectantly looking forward to seeing the Vineyard heavy with grapes and the many changes the garden would have to offer in a new season.

All in all a successful day.

Our guests arrived early bringing a wonderful
Christmas spirit with them and there was
much frivolity and laughter throughout
the whole day.  Looking around the
Cider House there was a marvellous display
of greenery, apples, cones, ribbons, raffia,
cinnamon sticks, oranges and limes
to entice our guests as they sipped
their hot drinks and nibbled festive biscuits.  

After an inspirational talk and presentation everyone was keen to get creative with the abundance of materials on display.  

Although many had previously tried
their hand at making a wreath, our
two experts Jennie Baxter and Karen Cross
were on hand to give them some tips and tricks of the trade, showing them simple techniques, enabling them to create some very professional looking wreaths.

At midday everyone retreated to the main house and were treated to a deliciously scrumptious lunch and warmed by Mulgasms (mulberry gin and champagne).

After the wonderful meal there was another demonstration.  This time of a simple but very stunning and colourful table decoration using a vase filled with Quality Street, candles and lots of greenery.

The 2008 programme of gardening talks and workshops to be held at the Cider House was launched that evening to include such topics as Plants for Free and Topiary Workshop and Planting a Cutting Garden.

Due to the success of the Christmas Sale, plans are now afoot to hold a Tulip Tea next spring in aid of St Michael's Hospice.  Visitors will be able to admire the 25,000 bulbs planted at Tarrington Court this autumn.   

20th September 2007

After a talk about different forms of Topiary, selecting the right plant for the right shape, hygiene and maintenance, all illustrated by some inspirational photographs from well known and not so well known gardens, Ian Prangell, who once ran his own box and topiary nursery, gave an impressive dempnstration of how to cut a spiral.  It was then the turn of each guest to select their plants from the healthy and plump specimens on offer and try their hand at creating their own.  They were not disappointed and all guests left with superb looking spirals, matching clockwise and anti-clockwise versions (you didn't realise their was a  difference did you?), one of our guests even took their hand to creating a fantastic cakestand shape!  The next Topiary workshop is planned for February next year but we may run one earlier if there is enough interest so please let us know.

14th September 2007

Gardeners are always looking forward and at this talk we were thinking spring, fresh unspoilt growth, colour and scent.  Topics included, how do you plant for return growth - answer, choose healthy bulbs carefully, plant deep on gravel and select the right varieties.  After lunch the weather was kind and we enjoyed discussing design ideas for spring effect by looking at some of the projects in the Gardens at Tarrington Court.  A fresh delivery of bulbs allowed for purchases to be taken home and planted by the newly inspired, using their new dibber bought from a selection of gardening items now being offered at The Cider House.

The Gardening Talks and Workshops Series
Friday 31st August 2007

We are excited to announce that the Gardening Talks and Workshops Series were officially launched on Friday 31st August 2007 at Tarrington Court with a complimentary evening of drinks and canapes followed by a talk on 'Lighting Your Garden'. 

As a passionate hands-on gardener with a keen interest in both horticultural and design aspects within the garden Catherine Jago is keen to share her knowledge and experience with other gardeners from the complete beginner to the experienced enthusiast.

Catherine has been involved in garden design for a number of years and her experience includes designing three medal winning gardens for RHS Chelsea.

On realising that there are many gardeners who would appreciate tutorials, advice and practical experience on a wide range of subjects within the garden, and also the chance to meet like-minded people and exchange ideas, she has started a new venture called 'Gardening Talks and Workshops Series.'

The inspiring talks include such topics as ‘Inspirational Spring Planting’, ‘Designing your Cutting Garden’ and ‘Ornamentation in the Garden’ whilst our Workshops provide hands-on practical experience with subjects such as ‘Try your hand at Topiary’ and ‘Lettering in the Garden’. Tickets for talks are priced at £25 and include a light lunch and tickets for workshops are priced at £80 inclusive of all materials/plants and a light lunch.

We look forward to hearing from you and welcoming you to Tarrington Court

So How Does Your Chelsea Garden Grow?
3rd June 2007