AH&T Flower Club – June Meeting Report

The sun was shining brilliantly as we arrived at the Firs in Barbridge for our annual garden visit. The owners Richard and Valerie made us very welcome and we wandered freely through a very natural garden situated on the canalside.
It was good to use the many seating places to enjoy the views as well as seeing the plants close up. The paths led us towards the canal, past the observatory and Japanese torii gate where we could see right across the fields. Part of the garden at this point used to be a canal basin but it became silted up and is now a wild garden. Swans nested in the garden for 4 years but after a territorial fight between male swans they have not used the garden but do visit. However we didn't see them while we looked around or while we enjoyed being served with tea/coffee and a choice of cakes.Immediately after our departure the swans returned for a visit and Richard sent photos to us.

This garden is part of National Garden Scheme and has open days on Sunday 30th July and Sunday 6th August from 11am to 4pm. Worth a visit.

Ed: Click on the photographs to enlarge them.