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Last night I had several attempts at photographing Jackie’s garden solar lights. She had one preference; I had another.
Only the brave need indicate their favourite.
Knowing the weather would soon change, I took advantage of the early sunshine to wander around the garden and take a few pictures.
On the front trellis clematis Mrs N. Thompson has joined solanum;
on the edge of the patio fragrant Asiatic lilies blend with petunias;
and poppy plunderers have hind legs like Popeye’s forearms.
We were joined for lunch by Jackie’s two sisters, their husbands, and cousins Pat, Christine, and Olivia.
Jackie laid out the buffet food she had prepared yesterday on the table,
and cooked a marvellous mushroom soup.
After several platefuls, and a fairly wide variety of alcoholic beverages, the sun having emerged after rain, we had a tour of the garden.
Our guests trooped from the patio past the kitchen;
admired the wisteria pergola;
and took the Gazebo Path.
Shelly brought her coffee with her.
Passing Florence at Fiveways
the group admired the Rose Garden;
on her return along the Brick Path Helen paused to savour the scent of Wedding Day.
It seems reasonable to consider this our first Open Day.
Christine and Olivia left early in the evening. Helen, Bill, Shelly and Ron remained a while longer, and Pat stayed the night. ( Actually, I took a chance in posting this before Helen and Bill departed. They also stayed the night ).
We all had a second go at the buffet and beverages.
You’re open!? I’m down for a family weeding in early August. It’s in Christchurch. I wonder if we can fix a time with the management to see if you are open?!!
Definitely, Geoff. Thank you
A family “Weeding”??? Jackie’ll kidnap you…
🙂
Subliminal slip!
We thought you might have meant it, Geoff
So very lovely and picturesque! Lunch looked amazing as well!
Thank you very much, Anna
You’re very welcome! 🙂 Gorgeous gardens!
Nice to see people enjoying the garden. The banquet with view gets my vote. If I must choose between the lights, I think the ‘sperm’ one is swimming. 🙂
Thank you, Mary. Good, perceptive, choice of lights
Oh, what a giveaway! I was going to be diplomatic and suggest a viewing with the naked eye might be the best option.
It would, Paul. Thanks
I’m so happy to see your guests touring the garden, Derrick. Lucky folks! No doubt there were many ‘oohs and aahs,’ to be heard.
Many thanks, Jill
A successful day all round! 😀 Bravo.
Thank you very much, Widdershins
I would have enjoyed a plate at the buffet table…yum!
Thank you, Walksand rambles
Both of the opening photos are lovely – but of course I have my favourite 🙂 Do I see a combined B&B and Garden Tours in your future? [Don’t tell Jackie I said that].
Thank you, Pauline. J has probably read your comment 🙂
I am all in to second that suggestion 😀
🙂
And you know what I would repeat…
Lovely photos–I love the table laden with delicious looking food in front of the window. It does look like a wonderful B&B. 🙂 The mushroom soup looks yummy, too. I’m sure your guests enjoyed the food and the garden.
Many thanks, Merril
My favorite of the initial photos is the dynamic one.
Well chosen, Cynthia. Thank you
Lovely photos; I preferred the second of the two solar light shots; if that is not your wife’s favourite, my apologies.
Thank you, Oglach. She’ll forgive you 🙂
For showing what it actually looks like – the first one.
For art – the second.
Safe.
I agree with your choice entirely, I chose the first one as I thought it looked more realistic there was one that was just a mass of dots and didn’t give the right effect. Could they have been taken as the evening(and the wine intake) progressed?
😇
Creep XX
LOL! By the way, when you blogged that you were expecting guests, Ian and I got all territorial – “Who have they got visiting that we don’t know about?!” “What is the meaning of this?!” etc. We couldn’t wait to jump on and find out. We did laugh at our ridiculousness. All jealous like. 😊
She just knows how to wrap you [both] round her little finger.
Lovely! I like both of the solar lighting photos. You can’t go wrong!
Thank you, Leslie
Congratulations on your first open day.
The buffet looks delicious. I would have gone for 2nd helpings too!
Thanks very much, Timi
As always, Derrick, thank you for opening your lovely life to all of us.
Thanks very much, Ann
All I can say is Wow!
(and that Asiatic lily is divine. I’ve got a photo of one somewhere in my archives and didn’t know what it was called).
Many thanks, Vicki
Just amazing. I think I have gardener’s envy, if that’s a thing. ☺
Thank you very much, Van
It IS, now.
At the risk of making myself unpopular (again), the second photograph (the one of the spermatozoa frantically swimming) is indeed the superior of the two.
Exactly, Bruce. So you know which one is mine 🙂 Thank you
Unpopular with whom?
The world…
What a great day. The food of course looked fabulous and I love seeing people wandering around your garden the way I might.
Many thanks, Lisa
The garden looks great and it looks like a great time was had by all!
Many thanks, Cynthia
Just one word, Derrick and Jackie: F A B U L O U S <3
Love you! I missed your garden so much 😀
Many thanks, Monica. We missed you, too. Are you OK?
Congratulation. You and Jackie should pat yourselves on the back now.
Thanks very much, Sol
An excellent idea to share your gardening skills and ideas with others. Perhaps you could do this on a seasonal basis and maybe show people what needs to be done in their own gardens in, say, late autumn, or early spring?
Many thanks, John. Maybe we will
Yummy on so many levels Derrick! The garden looks beautiful. 💛
Thank you very much, Val
Both photos of the solar lights are my favorite! Derrick, a lovely post as usual, I always enjoy visiting! Have a happy day my friend! 🙂
Many thanks, Terry. You too
Your first open day was a great success, and the buffet was fabulous. My preference is the first picture because of the many details. Good for meditation 😉
Many thanks, Inese
Lovely
Thanks, Lynn
Great to see everyone enjoying the garden – it was fun to see all wander through the garden taking the beautiful flowers and designed pathways in Derrick. Last photograph says it all! Awesome buffett Jackie!
Many thanks, Mary – from us both
Derrick, have you ever considered doing a walking video of your garden to post on your blog. Would love to see the garden through yours and Jackie’s eyes as you take us through that beautiful place.
I really must get our daughter to give me a bit of tuition, thanks, Mary
What a fun day! love the photos of everyone touring the garden 🙂
Thanks a lot, Laurie
What a sumptuous feast! I especially love the sound of the mushroom soup. 🙂 Your garden must have been much admired. I had to smile at Geoff’s comment, saying he’s coming down for a “family weeding”. Jackie will definitely make use of him. 🙂
Thank you, Sylvia. Yes, that was a good one from Geoff.
Your solar lighting photos look amazing!Lovely pics!Thank you for sharing them!Have a great week ahead, Derrick!
Thank you, Sofia
You are kindly welcome, my friend!Looking forward to reading more of your posts. I have come to appreciate you immensely. Thank you for your ongoing support and friendship!
🙂
Looks like a wonderful day – garden is looking great.
Many thanks, my friend Quercus
I can definitely see the appeal of the second picture! 😀 Your garden is beautiful – your guests must have loved exploring it.
Thank you, Louise
Oh, lucky guests! Across the pond, I am envious.
Thanks very much, Laurie
Lovely pics as usual. I prefer the second lights shot. The B&B suggestion sounds fantastic and I sure would love a tour of that garden, food provided or not 🙂
Very many thanks, Geetha
Welcome Derrick 🙂
The buffet looks super delectable, my compliments to Chef Jackie!
I would treasure homemade mushroom soup! The troupe of family members circling around the garden made me smile. Nothing better than loved ones showing their interest in what takes such an incredible amount of time to tend to, Derrick (and Head Gardener Jackie.) Hugs, Robin xo
Many thanks, Robin. I like the new profile pic X
It is always a pleasure to tour your beautiful garden and it’s wonderful to see all the planning and hard work being appreciated by your guests.
Thanks very much, Peggy
Unless I’ve miscounted, that’s about 8 people off Jackie’s Xmas card list, against only 4 off Derrick’s. You’ll note I didn’t pass comment on the relative merits of the photographs.
So kind, Paul. Thank you
Your garden always amazes me in all it’s beauty :). You and your readers may enjoy this mushroom soup recipe. https://reallifeofanmsw.com/2016/01/12/405
Many thanks, MSW.