I had made a diary note of a garden open day for NGS, in Coningsby Lane, Fifield, on one of the lanes I regulatory ride enroute to Holyport or Bray. It was marked "booking essential", but I was reluctant to commit too early. The NGS website gave very little information, but a link to Instagram gave an insight into the garden. Newly planted out 2 years ago, and clearly fans of Prairie style perennial planting.
Checking the website last night, only a handful of tickets had been sold. What a shame, for their first ever opening. So we booked, and cycled there today, with a 12-2 slot. (only 60 tickets available spread across the whole day).
Since John was with me, I opted for my road bike today. (can't change a puncture on the tyres). I enjoyed riding it. It's very light, so effortless, and quiet too. The only issue today was the gusty wind, but not too bad on our outward journey.
We wiggled to Moss End, and passed Warfield Church.
 |
| Beautiful day as we passed Warfield Church |
Then our usual route to Cranbourne, and then Drift Road and right turn to Fifield. As we arrived in Coningby Lane, a couple of men were sitting on chairs as "car park attendants". Shame they had pretty much nothing to do. So we chatted to them one being the garden owner. He was a Tour de France fan, so chatted about that amongst other things. Then he directed us just 2 houses along where his wife and M.I.L were checking the entry tickets. We confused them by arriving earlier than our time slot. 😉
 |
| Proper cups and saucers. This was in the neighbour's garden. |
 |
| Tables for tea in neighbours garden, with just rusty fence to separate the plots. |
 |
| Very unusual veg beds made with reinforcing rods. |
 |
| Their sweet peas looking a lot better than mine. I planted too many, too close I think. The first area of garden beyond is a wild flower meadow. Past now, but they will cut it all down in a couple of weeks they told me. |
 |
| The colourful perennial section, all inspired by Piet Oudolf planting style. |
 |
| Looking back from the house. The owner in the blue dress. A small circular lawn in the middle but the rest of the garden is deep borders. The large trees both sides are actually in neighbors gardens. |
Well worth a visit, certainly on bikes. Our return trip was via Paley Street now into wind, and continuing to Beenham Heath and Shurlock Row.
AVG speed was 12.6 much of the way back, and just dropped off a little in the last couple of miles. Not much effort involved apart from the wind.
