Healthy plants at bargain prices

I first became aware of the Friends of Chadkirk in June 2011.
A keen gardener, I was drawn to the plant sale that took place on the lawn outside the walled garden.Within minutes I had a couple of carrier bags bursting with healthy plants. I selected several strong specimens of Verbena bonariensis that were a fraction of the prices elsewhere. Ornamental grasses are a favourite and I was spoilt for choice. As I chatted about the plants with the stall holders, I realised that they were all Friends. Friends of Chadkirk. There were people here who knew a lot about plants and they’d germinated and propagated many of those on the stall. Enjoying the banter, and talking some more, it became clear that they did more than just grow plants, or raise funds.

Like many people who live in the area, I’d visited the Chadkirk estate often over the years. Yet somehow I hadn’t picked up on the signs that this group existed.
I suppose I was enjoying the wildlife and the garden; I mustn’t have lingered to read the notice boards.

True, I’d noticed that the garden had once appeared to be rather neglected and now it was flourishing. Perhaps 10 years ago when I visited the chapel, I’d appreciated the strong sense of history, while sensing a whiff of neglect that seemed rather sad. Now there are works of art and regular activities in the Chapel; it has come alive again. Noticing these improvements, if I wondered how it had happened, I must have assumed that the council had got to work and could take the credit.

Certainly Stockport MBC have been involved and the warden of the estate and other staff do stirling work. However, much of what has been achieved has only been possible because of a group of people with good ideas and a passion to see this space flourish.

Now that I knew about the group, I joined on the spot. Handing over my £5 note, I too became a Friend of Chadkirk. Money well spent and another bargain to be enjoyed.

Saturday 16th June is your opportunity to get some healthy plants at bargain prices.2.30-4.00pm on the lawn besides the Walled Garden.

It is also an opportunity to meet Friends and get involved.

Now is a good time to volunteer to take part in the Chadkirk Festival.

The Festival will take place on the last Sunday in July between 12 and 4 pm.

A place for blessings

This afternoon the BBC weather forecast for Romiley was spot on. 14 Celcius and a fine drenching drizzle. A lot better than the weather forecast for tomorrow. Nevertheless, disappointing for the couple, friends and family, gathering at Chadkirk this afternoon and evening. They will receive a blessing in the historic and intimate chapel, followed by celebrations on the lawn beside the walled garden. The marquee is festooned with the flags, bunting of Union Jacks and the French Tricolor. Inside there will be warmth, good cheer and celebration, shelter and comfort regardless of the weather.

Before the blessing, Friends of Chadkirk gather too. There’s weeding to be done. Nicotiana seedlings are transplanted. Pots of red, white and blue petunias are planted.
Much of the work is done by volunteers. But by no means all of it….

Volunteers and staff will meet for a social get together on 14th June.

On Saturday 16th June it’s the plant sale. This is an opportunity to buy healthy plants at reasonable prices. Money raised contributes to the up keep of the garden. Those who visit the gardens benefit and those who buy the plants go home with bargains. Win-win.

The plant sale begins at 2.30 on the lawn to the west of the walled garden.

Corvids keep clear of Chadkirk

Looking over the garden wall reveals a hive of activity. Families and Friends of Chadkirk experiment with old clothing and handfuls of straw as they conjure up a flock of scarecrows. Inspiration came from the Jubilee celebrations and the Olympic Games. All participants received a small treat as a reward. The judges gave special commendation to Sammy Scarecrow (taking time off from Olympic training), Mr Chad’s cheerful smile and The Gardener.

Fine weather is forecast for the next few days and visitors to Chadkirk will be able to sit on the benches in the walled garden with no worries about any unwanted birdlife.

Worzel Gummidge?

The Head Gardener was particularly appreciated by the judges as they regularly weed and hoe the herb beds that he took care of for the day.

A royal visitor enjoys the garden.

More scarecrows, friends, families and other animals

And here’s a couple of cuties that didn’t come to see the scarecrows…the photo is here just because I like them.

A couple of scarecrow makers relaxing after the creative work is done.

Sunday morning sunshine

Today temperatures are forecast to rise to 26 C. Blue skies and bright light.
A stroll through the woods to the Chapel. An opportunity to visit Chadkirk before the heat burns and wilts; when, perhaps, there’s a chance to enjoy the garden in solitude.

As I open the gate and enter the garden, all those slumped forms… for a moment, it seems as if the garden is already busy with visitors who had the same idea. In the space of a breath, a second take.The scarecrows are smiling in the sunshine. In that moment, laughter. Try it for yourself and see…

The impact seems to be the same approaching the garden from the woods. Peer over the wall. A busy scene? No: just the scarecrows hanging out and smiling. I wonder if the families and friends who made the scarecrows know how much pleasure they have given?

Since the scarecrow competition there have been seven days of sunshine and warmth, seven days of rapid growth. Some of the herbs have added so much foliage and flowers, the beds are transformed. Only three weeks ago, on the May gardening Saturday at the start of the month, there were areas of bare earth in this herb bed. Now the sweet cicely fills the space.

When the team of volunteers return to garden on Saturday 2nd June they will be able to enjoy the welcome sights and scents of the garden….before getting out the tools to prune and hoe, weed and water. While there’s work to be done, there’s also the joy of gardening and the pleasure of good company.

Scarecrows visit Chadkirk

Calling all scarecrows…. Sunday 20th May 2012 It’s Open Day for Scarecrows at Chadkirk.

Young or old, male or female, old timers or new comers, dressed for work or play, sun or shine….all are welcome at the Chapel, Chadkirk.

Entry for Scarecrows is £2. They may be accompanied by upto 4 people.

Judging of the scarecrows will take place at 14.30 hours…..2.30pm.
A small prize will be awarded for the scarecrow that the judges like best.

Two types of scarecrow will be able to enter the competition.
A : scarecrows that are made at home and arrive at the Chapel, Chadkirk fully formed and dressed for competition.
B: scarecrows that are created at the Chapel between 11.00 hrs and 13.00 hours (1pm).

There will be some materials at the Chapel to help people wanting to make their scarecrows between 11am and 1pm. Bringing your own materials might allow you to be more creative and help you design the scarecrow of your dreams (or nightmares or something anywhere in between).

Scarecrows who visited Chadkirk in 2011 may be appearing here shortly. In the meantime, if you can’t wait, there are photos by Steph on Walney at Flickr.com

Good news: here’s one of the scarecrows from last year. A lady, or maybe a princess, dancing in the breeze. I wonder if you saw her at Chadkirk. If so, why not send in her story for followers to read ?