Hello everybody, I do hope you are enjoying the summer whatever the weather is doing for you. Today is a sunny day! I truly hope it is with you wherever you are when you read this. What a tricky year for gardens. But we are an optimistic lot and are surely positive that next year will be better.

Our talented student, Emma Lindsay, ran a Sketch-Booking workshop here in July. It was a beautiful day, and everyone seemed very inspired, so much so that one attendee has visited every Wednesday since with his sketch-book-you know who you are!

It creates a lovely atmosphere having artists in the Garden and I would encourage all of you who are so inclined to visit us on Wednesdays, there are plenty of seats or bring your stool. If you would like to bring an art or photography group, then please email the Garden in advance so that we can arrange this for you. Colour, texture and movement are to be found here in abundance and there are many different ways of interpreting this.

Thinking about workshops, we are keen to plan our programme for 2025 and so invite you all to email us on info@batesgreengarden.co.uk and tell us what you would like to see in the plan. They will be held on Thursdays or, there is a possibility of a late afternoon/early evening session on Wednesdays during the lighter, summer months. How would you like to experience the Garden? Are there any horticultural techniques that you would particularly appreciate guidance on? Let us know!

The Middle Garden is a delight right now. The colour schemes are so apparent, there are bees and butterflies enjoying the flowers and everything is gearing up for the late summer spectacle. We have the Pastel Border which is referred to as the allium bed in the Spring. We are aiming for a peachy apricot palette. Check out the Calendula ‘Pygmy Bluff’ which attracts many visitor compliments. Next, the Blue and Yellow border is very effective at displaying its theme, the Anchusa and the Bidens are striking. Then the Hot Border sings out in the summer with bright orange and pink, really effective salvia and alstromeria here. Finally, the Violet & Gold (with additional scarlet) looks so good against the brick of the former gamekeepers cottage where John and his family live. This is a hot garden in terms of sunlight and temperature, but we do have two charming and shady seating areas from which to admire the spectacle. Huge thanks to the Gardens Team, particularly Harriet- a great deal of planning and work goes into this area.

Anu continues to come up with all manner of delicious, homemade cakes and scones which cater for all dietary requirements. Her cherry cake was a triumph.

Make sure that you all take the time to relax in your own Gardens, or if that is impossible for you, then come along and relax here!