A tale of two gardens

One very warm and sunny Sunday in June, CABAHS members were invited to come and visit our member Juli’s garden in Plumstead – which she generously opened specially for us, in aid of the Greenwich & Bexley Community Hospice. Juli’s garden is in the middle of a dense housing estate, but it is pretty easy to spot by the large banana tree sprouting over the top of her wall. Her garden beautifully demonstrates what can be done in a small space with some greenery, lots of care, and a sense of humour!

After the banana, the first things you notice are the Bee Lido and the fish pond, and I also liked the healthy looking lavender – which was a Charlton House reject that has been nursed back to full flower. Juli’s plant range includes her beloved roses, many perennials and even fruit trees. There are so many fun details, it takes much longer to properly appreciate than you would expect!

Thought for wildlife is everywhere in this garden, including Juli’s collection of friendly Bunnies – who were the stars at our Easter “Bunnies in the Beds” event.

In case you think this small garden is all on one level, visitors are invited to see it from a different angle with a Birds Eye view (by climbing up a step ladder – Health & Safety folk look away now) from the green roof Juli has created on her outhouse (which now doubles as a Bunny Warren). Sustainability is also catered for, with all the upcycling ideas – including gutter strips as a waterfall off the outhouse leading to a raintank!

The title of this post is about two gardens – because the comparison I couldn’t help making was between Juli’s garden and some of the RHS Hampton Court show gardens! I reckon the allotment section at Hampton Court must have got some of their ideas from Juli..

Well done Juli, it is a lovely and quirky garden and you gave us a very enjoyable Open Day!

Kathy