A perfect summer’s afternoon!

June’s gardening club meeting is traditionally a visit to a local garden. Having had a talk by Jill and Alun Whitehead in October about gardens across the UK, it seemed like an appropriate time to visit their garden Aulden Farm, near Leominster.
Jill and Alun describe their garden as an “eclectic and rather idiosyncratic garden” and it is certainly that.  There is much to see! They began work on their three acre garden in 1997 when it was a barren site and their aim was to encourage wildlife. The L-shaped garden has a number of fascinating features like the giant ash tree, a yew circle, a wildlife pond and a hornbeam tunnel, to name but a few. 
They retained many of the old farm structures; the corrugated barn, the pig sty and the hen house all of which add atmosphere to the garden.  As keen plant growers, Jill and Alun have developed expertise, particularly with Irises.  This was evident throughout the garden where many varieties could be seen. For many years they held the National Collection of Siberian Irises but withdrew from this a few years ago.  They still remain involved in the Iris world, especially with the group of Beardless Irises and the British Iris Society and travel the world judging in competitions.
Jill and Alun are not only superb gardeners, they are also impressive artists and their work is featured throughout the garden.  They have an art gallery in a pig sty and installations around the garden in a number of mediums; glass, wood, metal and stone.  Jill is also an excellent baker and we were spoiled by an assortment of homemade cakes to accompany a nice cuppa.  If this was not enough, Jill and Alun also have a plant nursery where we were able to buy some of the beautiful plants that we had seen in their garden.  Who could resist? 
With the sun shining, this was altogether a recipe for a wonderful afternoon outing for members and their guests.  If you have not been to Aulden Farm, I highly recommend a visit.  They open regularly and by request donating their takings to the National Garden Scheme.   
If you would like to join our small, friendly and very active gardening club, please get in touch.   We are always pleased to welcome new members, who bring new ideas to our exciting programme of events.  
  Bev Harris   Secretary 
  [email protected] 
  www.stokestmilborough.info/burwarton-gardening-club.html