May delivered a mixture of sun, showers, heat and chills which gives the Garden Team plenty to think about.

If roses are your passion, then I invite you to come along and enjoy Rosa ‘Phyllis Bide’, the rambler that covers the north-east wall of the house. Apricot pink flowers are borne in abundance throughout the season and the sweet fragrance is borne on the breeze.

Another current delight is the large shrub rose, Rosa complicata. This is classed as a wild rose but is looking sophisticated and distinctive right now.  It is anything but complicated, with large brilliantly pink single flowers and arching spreading foliage.

Our seed sowing programme has not been very successful this year, we are putting this down to a few different factors, the weather being one of them.  Have you experienced anything similar?

We will not be deterred though, the cuttings that Emma Tee our student took earlier on in the year are doing brilliantly, and, after our softwood cutting workshop that was held at the end of May, we will have plenty of plant material to delight you all this summer.

On June 6^th Brighitta will be holding a sound bath session here in the Garden.  I was lucky to be given a taster session of this effortless form of meditation and found it deeply moving and relaxing.  Here is what Brighitta has to say about it:

“The experience is deliciously all-immersive as our bodies ‘hear’ the vibrations with every cell. I  use a harmonic set of crystal alchemy bowls which are made with 99.992% pure quartz and blended with other crystals, gemstones, and precious metals. The sound from the bowls resonates through the entire being - you may receive physical sensations of sublime movements of energy, while your mind may see colours or visions of spontaneous insight.

 Nothing is expected or required of those in attendance, you are welcome to simply lay down or sit comfortably as we join together to share peace in the beautiful surroundings of Bates Green.

 The beauty of the bowls combined with the beauty of nature will create a sense of presence, wonder, and upliftment for us to enjoy.”

On June 13^th, you will have the opportunity to join a singing circle for the morning.  Again, we had a go ourselves and it was truly uplifting to join the birds and sing out in such beautiful surroundings.  Take it from me, no experience or technique will be required as Lizzie explained here:

“Come and experience the magic of group singing in the beautiful surroundings of the gardens and woods here at Bates Green.  Singing circles are all about making singing accessible to all, so that we can all experience the wellbeing benefits of singing as a group.  You need absolutely no musical or singing experience to join.  Songs are simple and are taught by ear, with no technical musical terms, no pressure and definitely no such thing as ’I can’t sing!’. 

 During this two hour workshop (with a break in the middle for tea and cake), Lizzie will lead us in singing some beautiful harmony songs from around the world which will stay with you long after the workshop ends.  “

The last June workshop on the 27^th is entitled ‘Movement in Nature for Health’. Ellie and Sarah are offering a combination of gentle yoga practices and mindful walking all set in the beauty of the Garden. The session is designed to encourage a deeper connection to space, time and place. They describe:

“We will  slow down in the Garden, take in the flow and ebb of the Wildflower  Meadow and draw wisdom in Beatons Wood. The sessions will support you through guided movement to connect with nature, taking you away from the hum drum of everyday life.”

Please note that no experience will be required, come along with an open mind and observe what happens to you.