Remember my mum? She was a guest blogger on my post a few months ago click here to read the post. Well, tomorrow it will be her 82nd birthday and I thought I would post these pictures of her garden as this is where the whole family shall be gathering for the traditional birthday treasure hunt!
Every year, the family are given a list of around twenty items which have been hidden in the garden and everyone has to find them. There are no exceptions - old or young, you have to join in.
It is also tradition that (close your eyes now Mum) halfway through, cheating becomes rife - with a nod in the direction of an item here and a quick swapping of the location of found items there. Of course, this is frowned upon by the Clarke side of the family until with defeat in sight, fair play flies to the wind!
I went to the Chelsea Flower show a few weeks back and I have to say that there wasn't a garden there to match my mum's and she does it ALL herself!
What is lovely, is the creation of so many different 'spaces' - a walled garden, a wooded area, a formal lawn, rockeries and different seating areas.
Of course, the grandchildren love the treasure hunt and the excitement of wandering around all the little paths and secret places.
All these pictures of Mum's garden, bring me nicely to Patsy Collins' new book 'Up the Garden Path' published by Alfie Dog. It's a collection of her garden related short stories. I haven't read it yet but I have downloaded it and am sure it will be an excellent read.
I shall leave you now as after the treasure hunt, I shall be off to sunny Greece. Even though I won't be here, please still comment as my Mum reads my blog!
What a fabulous garden! I'd forget all about the treasure hunt I think and just wander round admiring everything.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for mentioning my book. Really hope you like it.
I'm sure I will, Patsy - it is on my kindle ready to read on hol.
DeleteWow, this is incredible! What a beautiful garden. It's something from a book or movie. Hats off to your mom for creating such a beautiful escape for herself and the family. You should be proud of her!!
ReplyDeleteIt is, Christie - it's beautiful.
DeleteStunning! Definitely better than the Chelsea entries.
ReplyDeleteThe Chelsea entries were all full of cow parsley!
DeleteHappy Birthday Wendy's Mum - the garden is wonderful and the treasure hunt sounds fantastic :-) x
ReplyDeleteIt will be lovely, Teresa - we've just got to hope the rain holds off.
DeleteThat's amazing, and doing it herself?? I think it should be featured on Gardener's World on Friday nights, honestly.. Carol Klein would be in raptures.. I am.
ReplyDeleteMum will be very pleased to hear that, Susan - thank you.
DeleteWhat a lovely garden. Could there be some writers' inspiration workshops in the garden as well as treasure hunts?
ReplyDeleteNow there's an idea, Lindsay!
DeleteWhat a beautiful garden! A pure delight! I could wander around all day. Happy Birthday Mum and have a great holiday too Wendy.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Paula. I just hope the sun comes out today for the treasure hunt.
DeleteTruly a piece of paradise on earth Wendy. And what a lovely birthday tradition too. Hope you have a lovely time in Greece, wishing you tons of sunshine (guaranteed?).
ReplyDeleteYes. I can't wait, Tracy - it's tripping down with here.
ReplyDeleteThat garden is just stunning. Does your mum do it all herself, or does she have help?
ReplyDeleteEnjoy the birthday!
No. She does it all herself. France's - although to get the garden ready for the treasure hunt my brother popped over a couple of evenings,
DeleteLooks like a lot of work for an 82 year-old! Hope you had a good party.
ReplyDeletePS Just read A School Of Thought in WW. Liked the twist at the end. Well done.
Thank you.,Keith.
DeleteThat garden is glorious.
ReplyDeleteYes it is Parlance,
DeleteSuch a stunning garden. Has mum ever considered opening it for the Open Gardens scheme? (Also known as the Yellow Book - it's a charity thing.) It looks a fascinating garden to wander around, and I love all the sculptures.
ReplyDeleteHave a great time in Greece!
I don't. Think so Joanne, even more work to get it even more perfect,
ReplyDeleteI was in the botanical gardens here in Edinburgh the other week ( with my sister) and we wondered into the wild Scottish garden and discovered all these wee fairies - and even a tiny door in a tree - hidden between the plants. It was delightful, as is your mum's garden. Your mum is a bit of a phenomenon, I think :)
ReplyDeleteHave a fab time in Greece and a well earned break, Wendy :)
Hi Marianne - I'm back! Had a great time, thanks. I think my mum would have loved the botanical garden in Edinburgh (as would I). Rather a long way to go though!
DeleteOh, wow! My kind of garden - I am so envious!
ReplyDeleteHope you enjoy your holiday. (If I had a garden like that I wouldn't need to go anywhere else!)
It is lovely as it changes with the seasons, Linda.
DeleteWhat an amazing garden. And a very happy birthday to your mum :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Della. Glad you managed to get past the 'illegal characters' to comment. How did you do it in the end?
DeleteBe very proud, Wendy's mum. A fabulous garden. And a happy birthday too.
ReplyDeleteMy mum had a lovely birthday and we all cheated on (I mean took part in)the great treasure hunt.
DeleteWhat a gorgeous garden.
ReplyDeletex
ps there's news for you on my blog.
Ooh, exciting! I shall pop over there now Suzanne.
DeleteAnd a very happy birthday to your mum. x
ReplyDelete