Garden Sunday

I live in a lovely little village in Buckinghamshire, which no one has heard of (even people from Bucks) called Radnage. It's a typical village in many ways in that it doesn't have a lot in it! However what it has bundles of is community spirit. If you have read my other posts you will know I'm an RAF brat and so have lived all across the country and abroad, but I've grown to love Radnage. I'm not that suited to the countryside, not liking animals and all (and there's a lot!) but I do enjoy all the events Radnage holds. 

One such event is Garden Sunday. An odd but fun concept, it is basically a day to be really nosey! Every year villagers open up their gardens and people are freely allowed to wander around. It's a small fee to take part but all procedures go to the village church. You may be thinking that looking at other peoples gardens isn't actually that interesting, if like me you're not into horticulture- but you'd be surprised! 

It's lovely to see what people do to their gardens and how they use them. There are also events in some of the gardens, such as the adorable Rita (whose just had her 90th birthday) who opens up her garden and swimming pool for all the kids, and big kids to have a swim. The WI also has a tea and cake stand set up in one of the gardens and there's a big BBQ lunch at the village hall. Some of the gardens are simply amazing, whether they be immaculately pruned to an inch of their life, or have mazes made of hedges, secret gardens, Monet bridges or the pub garden which has some spectacular sculptures. 

Each year there is also a competition for best Scarecrow, this is open to everyone whether they have opened up their garden or not. People get very creative, my personal favourtie this year was the scarecrow decked out in cycling gear on a bike, helmet and all! It's a great day, with everyone walking or cycling through the village and it all ends at what is know as Sun-downers at the local pub, where there is a big marquee, hog roast and live bands. 

I've really enjoyed all the Garden Sunday's I've be able to go to over the last few years. Not only because I get to be nosey or because seeing countless Scarecrows is amusing but because it only works with everyone working together. You can say what you like about the countryside, but something they have got right is having a jolly good time together. 


Thank you for reading.

Meme Dendy