At mid-day friends Caroline and Keith, Margery and Paul joined us for lunch. Jackie laid on an excellent vegetable soup with croutons, followed by onion bhajis, spring rolls and prawn toasts; a choice of meats and pies, and various splendid salads, with several different breads. A little red wine was drunk, but most of us preferred water, still, or sparkling.
The general consensus was that we should spend the afternoon in the garden before tackling the scones with jam and clotted cream, the fruit salad, and/or the strawberries and cream. Even then, no-one had room for cheese.
We enjoyed warm, sunny, weather, with a slight breeze, making it ideal for the garden tour. We wandered round in twos and threes, occasionally meeting up.
Here, Caroline and Keith contemplate the Brick Path. When they reach the sweet peas which will be to their right, they will enjoy their fragrance.
To their left lies the New Bed whose bees fascinated them.
Jackie and Paul paused at Fiveways.
Jackie went on to the rose garden where she delighted
in displaying our achievement.
Margery tried out the armchair under the arch,
then led the way back through the pergola.
Much of the afternoon was spent in happy conversation on the patio, surrounded by arrangements like this, of fuchsia Ringwood Market, petunias, geraniums, and succulents, with a pink hydrangea peaking out from behind.
A red rose petal came to rest on the Ace Reclaim bench
which is visible from the Dragon’s Bed.
There was a very brief programme of highlights of the fourth Test Match. This is because it didn’t take England very long to dismiss the last three Australian batsmen, thus winning the match, and the series and retaining the Ashes. 
The Ashes are a symbolic representation of the ashes of English cricket described by a Sporting Newspaper after Australia’s 1882 victory. The following year England’s Captain Ivo Bligh vowed to regain those ashes. Said to be the remains of a burnt cricket ball, they are fought over every series between the two countries, although the urn that contains them never leaves Lord’s cricket ground
Oh, lovely, Derrick! The best kind of afternoon.
Thank you, Laurie. Yes.
Mmmmm – sweetpeas! My favourite – one of my favourites! 🙂 Congrats on the cricket – nice to see England rise again!
Thank you Pauline. Especially as they were the underdogs.
Yes, the memory of the CWC lingers on …..
Don’t you know that what rises must fall? hahaha
Splendid garden party. I could have helped you with the wine 🙂
The Aussies know that now 🙂
As did the British Empire 🙂
A moscato d’asti would have been perfect for desert! Then have every guest sign and date the bottle as a momento of the party. These empty bottles could be used as vases of collected on a window sill as light-catchers.
Thank you, Oscar
It’s a funny thing, but I’ve always thought that experiences are relatively meaningless until they are shared. Your visitors expanded the joy of your garden no end…
Thanks, Bruce. They are artists and love the garden. I don’t think that’s a funny thing at all. That’s why we blog.
Looks like a delightful afternoon in a stunning garden 🙂 The new garden area is filling out very quickly…you must be having some lovely weather there. Congratulations on the cricket: it certainly has claimed some scalps!
Thank you Matt. I don’t suppose the ball swings much in Oz
Perfect way to spend my Saturday Derrick – after sweltering in 106 temps here in TX. Your garden walkway is like a treasure hunt filled with eye-candy for everyone!
Thank you, Mary, That is hot. Lovely description
Ah, finally an answer to the question of whether you ever get to enjoy the garden! What a wonderful afternoon. Thanks for sharing. Margery looks as though she’s on a throne!
Thank you, Lisa. I think she felt it. She is amazing. She struggles round every time she comes. Wants to see everything.
And who wouldn’t? Good for her.
What a lovely gathering for Jackie and you to share your beautiful efforts.
Thanks, Gary
Lovely…And your photo of the bench and plants to keep it company is beautiful…
Thank you, Nina
What a lovely, sweet garden! And it seems, also, a truly delightful day. Marvelous. I’m glad you came by my blog so I could follow you back here to yours and enjoy this little promenade!
Cheers,
Kathryn
Thank you Kathryn. Me too