SECRET GARDENS IN ESSEX ?

Once again, Chatham Green held its very popular
Open Gardens Day on June 25th
from noon to 6 p.m.

More than 22 gardens were open to visitors.

and these are some of the people who made it possible.

Photo : Janice Sanders

I'm sorry that I couldn't cover this  event, but I was abroad on holidayat the time.

Just north of Chelmsford, there's a tiny hamlet of about 35 houses, clustered along a quiet lane, part of which forms the Essex Way. It's peaceful, very old, and surrounded by open fields. Few people have heard of it, even though it's close to the main A131 Braintree Road. 
It's called Chatham Green, and it may be the best-kept secret in Essex.
But, one day a year, Chatham Green holds its very popular Open Gardens Day when hundreds of visitors stroll along the village street to enjoy more than 22 open gardens. It's a great afternoon out, and many visitors return year after year. 

Refreshments are available in a number of the open gardens,  plants and cakes on sale, and in 2004 there is also be a display of classic cars.
 Jackie and Mike at the Windmill Pub have their bar-b-que going for any visitors who would like to take lunch whilst visiting the gardens. 

Admission is £2.50, and proceeds go to the Chatham Green Trust, which supports local organisations and charities.

Chatham Green is located just off the A131 Chelmsford-Braintree road, about half a mile north of the A130 Essex Regiment Way.    Click here for a general map.

Janice Saunders 

These pictures taken in a previous year should give you an idea of what to expect.

At Millside House, the owner hastens through his pergola to check that all is in order.

Small pictures will enlarge, if you click on them.

A cricket match was already in full swing as we entered Brick Cottages, but I didn't see any runs scored. . . In the meantime, my wife bought some raffle tickets.

This clematis might look great, but it was a penstemon that really appealed to this bee.  It was a full minute imbibing the nectar from a single flower.

Paintings on sale at Brick Cottages.

The grand show of Red Hot Pokers was thanks to the neglect of Mary & Ron Waldron. At least, Mary contended that they did very little to them to result in such a fiery display.

 So what's this chap up to ? Click on the picture,

There are many other items to see when going around the 'Open Gardens' beside flowers.

For instance, there is Lucy, the Gargoyle and Peter Lawson's extravert cockerel with its retinue.

These blackcurrants were a great temptation to pick but I couldn't find a PYO sign.  Pity.

This tree must surely be beloved by all the younger relations of Pru & Chris Hayhow - great fun to climb.

Piegons (or are they collared doves) abound.

Part way around 'the course', there was a large gathering of Classic cars
 and they will be here agin in 2005

MG PA 1034
ATO 387
850cc Overhead cam engine

Purchased in 1997 and restored by us over 18 months and it has been used in many european rallies in Holland, Belgium & France.  In July 2001, we drove the car to Luxembourg for a MG Rally.

We have the first owner's details when first purchased in March 1934 but have a gap from 1934 until 1964.  Can you fill in the gap?

Please us about the car if you are interested in its details.

It takes quite a while to see everything, so a break for refreshment at the Windmill will be in order.

Further down the road, John Butcher opened up both garden and kitchen, the latter providing cream teas, obviously enjoyed by Springfield visitors Mr. & Mrs. Adams, accompanied by music played by John Sisley on his electronic organ (tel Orpington 01689 876800)

Small pictures will enlarge, if you click on them.

Does Chatham Green lie in a flood plain?  Surely not.  Yet, what is this near the keel?

If you put a bit of bread into a lobster pot, does that constitute a crust-station?

  Finally, a mention of the water lilies in the gardens of Chimneys and the old bakehouse in the grounds of Liberty Hall were worh seeing.

Chatham Green is more extensive than might be thought, so personal transport is always appreciated, especially if it's a mobile café. . .

I know that it inadvisable to "Hang out your dirty washing in public" so, although this was in an 'Open Garden', it was obviously not dirty, even if it had been forgotten.

Or was it a rival to an exhibition in the Tate Modern?