Member Jacqueline Turner generously opened her garden in to HHPS members on the 1st June. Nestled in Sheepcote Lane in Wheathampstead, the front garden of Marford Cottage was planted with a combination of interesting evergreens and perennials, including some magnificent euphorbias and vivid herbaceous geraniums. The rear garden had a cottage-garden atmosphere, with swathes of lupins, oriental poppies and aquilegias interspersed with grasses. The backdrop of mature shrubs, many of which were in flower, lent a lush feel and an air of seclusion.
Jacqueline made us all feel welcome with an impressive menu of cakes on offer and tea for all, served by a cheerful band of helpers. She was happy to chat about the garden and we all enjoyed looking at the borders and relaxing in the various seating areas which were positioned to appreciate different viewpoints. While Jacqueline and I were discussing her planting of Nicandra physolodes (the shoo-fly plant), a small field mouse ventured out to collect seeds, seemingly unaware of two looming humans so close by. Next to the greenhouse, I noticed a very clever method of storing 3” pots; a length of half-pipe guttering had been rigged up horizontally along the fence, and the pots sat perfectly along it. I must try that one at home.
The visit to Marford Cottage was a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon, and an excellent opportunity to catch up with fellow HHPS members. To finish, Chairman Irene Cowan presented Jacqueline with some garden centre vouchers as a token of the society’s appreciation. Thank you, Jacqueline, for allowing us to visit your garden – we had a lovely time.
Marion Jay
Hardy Plant Society Hertfordshire Group 
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