Once again we were blessed with glorious weather for our ‘Summer Social and Plant Fair’

Virginia Von Celsing made us extremely welcome to Pyt House and the garden allowing us to roam freely. This highly structured garden, divided into distinct spaces all with their own style, character and planting, provides the visitor with a wide range of experiences. Leaving the car park the immediate vista was an alley guiding the eye up to the house in the distance. Leading off from this alley were the individual spaces which include a large natural style pond, open grass ideal for croquet, vegetables and soft fruit, a lovely small walled garden, perennial areas and a multitude of top fruits some in the form of step-overs edging  borders and others in the more conventional bush form.

In the front of the house was a beautiful copper beech and to one side a glorious old barn. This shady venue was ideal for a very welcome cup of tea or coffee served with an enticing array of cakes After indulging ourselves Mrs Celsing gave us a brief talk on the evolution of the garden and history of the house. The successful plant sale followed with a tempting variety of plants supplied by our many generous members.

Before loading plant purchases and heading home there was ample time to visit the Willow Tree Cottage garden immediately adjacent to Pyt House.This smaller garden  with the back drop of farmed land afforded a real contrast to Pyt House with its more relaxed cottage garden style and vibrant colour, a pond, hen run and a private nesting spot for one hen fitted into the small space between the path and the house wall. Plants in numerous pots, stand alone or secreted in the borders, added a variety of shapes and colour to the palette.

A number of seats supplied points to rest legs drained of energy by the hot sun.

It was an enjoyable and interesting summer social with two very contrasting gardens.