Take one garden , build a wall around it …. and surely you have a walled garden ?
Well, technically, the answer is “Yes” but as our July speaker, Derek March explained, the story of walled gardens is far more interesting. Originating in Egypt and Persia, then widely seen in Ancient Rome they became popular in Britain from 16th/17th century onwards. Clever design and the heat and moisture retained in their walls created a microclimate which extended the growing season, and the variety of crops produced.
For centuries, most large English country houses had a walled kitchen garden. Cared for by an army of gardeners, they were highly productive places, supplying food, herbs and flowers for the family, staff and guests of the big house. The addition of glasshouses allowed exotic fruits and vegetables to be introduced. Social changes following WWI resulted in many of these falling into disrepair but, they are once again becoming popular.
Derek was a relaxed and knowledgeable speaker and his enthusiasm for gardening was infectious. His talk was peppered with anecdotes about his own walled garden and the flowers and vegetables he grows. Listeners were transported to sunny English gardens, surrounded by the scent of flowers, the buzzing of bees and the promise of home-grown veg for dinner! It was an interesting evening for gardeners and non-gardeners alike.
Last month, you may have met some of our ladies selling refreshments at the Church Fair. As usual our members provided a huge selection of delicious homemade cakes. Thank you to everyone who supported us – we hope you enjoyed them!
Later this month we`ll be enjoying some treats ourselves on a day trip to Hythe. There`ll be time for a stroll by the sea and some retail therapy before we sit down to Afternoon tea at the Hythe Imperial hotel.
In July our speaker will be introducing us to “Queen Charlotte : a woman before her time” . Sound interesting? Come and see : visitors are welcome.
Marilyn Wells
Our website is farninghamwi.co.uk
