Tuesday 7 July 2009

All things bright and beautiful

Our visit to Yorkshire and the gardens open in the village were hugely successful. 12 families opened their gates in aid of church and local hospital funds including my brother and his family, the only working farm to do so. These photos are of the front and back of house where I was born, my family have been tenants of this farm for many generations. I stress that we are tenants in case you get the false impression that I come from some line of landed gentry when revolting peasants is probably nearer the truth.
My brother's immaculate and much admired vegetable garden
We had a plant stall at the farm, stocked and manned by my youngest niece's boyfriend, you can imagine how delighted I am that she has a serious gardener in her life.
Friends and other family came to visit and Mr FF and I went off with them for a tour of the village, which actually took us about 5 hours with a couple of stops for delicious tea and cakes. There was a lovely craft stall where this adorable elephant was purchased for a granddaughter. I'd have bought it myself if someone hadn't got in first, I must make an effort to knit some toys.
One of my favourite gardens which I remember being a productive cottage vegetable patch
Another farm where I used to play as a child, the house and land have now been sold off separately. I had a wonderful time, meeting so many people I've known all my life who always remember me though it may be many years since they've seen me. The day finished with a service of thanks in the beautiful flower filled church, I felt inspired by all the hard work that had gone into the whole event.
The pigs on my brother's farm had a good day too and enjoyed having so many visitors.

8 comments:

  1. I enjoyed looking at your photos Jenny. They were lovely gardens and farms
    My meternal grandmother had a small farm in the state of Pennsylvania when I was a child and I was heaven visiting her. I still think of her every time I smell dill.

    The knit elephant is adorable!

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  2. what a cute elephant!

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  3. What a fantastic garden and farm...It's soo beautiful where you come from Jenny! Thanks for taking us along with you. I long to see Yorkshire one day. Hubby & I have been to England several times, but we've not gotten too far north...must remedy that! That little elephant is sooo cute--love it! Happy Day, my friend ((HUGS))

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  4. "Sigh", i am so loving your country, its so pretty.....
    You must have some special childhood memories.
    Thankyou xoxo

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  5. Wonderful photographs. Such a fantastically kept garden, was it a village open day or part of the gardens open scheme?

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  6. It looks like you had an idyllic childhood, just wonderful to see these photos. People make a huge effort for these open gardens, and we can just relax and enjoy them, and that means a lot to me, I'm always very grateful to the host. I think your niece should marry her gardener, the fact that he's a gardener makes me think he must be top notch!
    Thank you so much for sharing these photos.
    Love Vanessa xxx (do you mind if i knit)

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  7. What lovely pictures - it looks like it was a glorious weekend - I like the pigs!

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  8. Gorgeous garden and love those Piggies!!!!

    The house where you were born is beautifully and the garden is inducing jealous fits over here.

    Your niece's young man looks like a very talented sort - invite him to yours for tea often and press a trowel and a pair of secateurs into his hands at every opportunity!

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