Barlborough Gardens

21/06/2026

So Vernon and I went to have a look at the garden at Barlborough Primary school on Friday morning as a potential garden to include as part of the Barlborough Gardens Group.
An awful lot of work has been undertaken by a PTA member to bring the garden back to a useable space for the children to enjoy, following a period in which it was rather neglected. This is a garden in its early stage of development, as further work is planned to create a space designed to attract and support insects and birds through food, water and shelter, in addition to being an area that the pupils can enjoy.
We are familiar with the space as it was in use when Fleur was a pupil at the school a good few years ago. Elements of that past garden are still evident but it’s good that there is now real enthusiasm to create an outdoor area for the pupils to make a connection with a green space.
As always funding is an issue but hopefully as word is spread about this exciting project, donations of plants and seeds may be received from the wider community. Vernon has already started potting up some plants that have extended beyond their allocated space in our garden to donate. As a dedicated herb bed is planned I will be taking some cuttings from our herb collection, so that the children can see how the roots develop and the plant can then be potted on.
If you live locally to Barlborough and have any spare plants or packets of seeds then please do drop them off at the school as every little helps. 💚

20/06/2026

Well worth a visit - such a great selection of quality plants at a reasonable price. ❤️

19/06/2026

So despite the many other things going on in our life at the moment the garden always beckons. 💚
Vernon has been busy cutting back the hardy geraniums which have now finished flowering, as well as undertaking some planting, in order to fill up a few gaps.
Looking forward to eating our home grown tomatoes - hopefully the forecast sunshine over the next week will ripen them up.
The hostas are looking lovely along the shady path to one side of the house - always a relief to work in this area during the hot weather.
I’m beginning to get things organised for our NGS plant stall at the NGS open day at Renishaw Hall on 1st July and our weekend opening as part of Barlborough Gardens on 11th and 12th July. Lots of baking to be undertaken over the next few weeks but luckily I’m “borrowing” freezer space from a couple of friends.
So impressed with the coffin tribute that we ordered for Vernon’s uncle funeral yesterday. We placed it on the family grave, where his uncle’s ashes will be interred, before leaving to drive home.

17/06/2026

This was the second NGS garden we visited on our trip out to Elmton on Sunday - “The Barn Chalico Farm”.
Lots to see in this garden which is on the outskirts of the village and includes the most wonderful views out across the field.
I hope you enjoy the photos as much as we enjoyed our visit. ❤️

16/06/2026

Lovely to get out and visit a couple of gardens who were opening for the National Garden Scheme in the village of Elmton, Derbyshire on Sunday afternoon - just a short drive away for us.
Thankfully the weather was kind with blue sky and some much welcome sunshine. Our first stop was at the delightful garden at Pear Tree Cottage. Beautiful planting and some interesting features.
I will post details of the second garden that we visited tomorrow. 💚😃

14/06/2026

So fingers crossed Vernon and I will be heading out to visit a NGS garden ourselves later this afternoon. However the cooler weather means my plan to wear a summer dress has had to be scuppered! So much for flaming June - our heating keeps coming on!
With an extra layer added I did manage to get around the garden yesterday to check on developments and nearly got blown away as it was so windy! Such extraordinary weather at the moment!
Plenty of colour though across the garden with very little room now to plant anything however Vernon always seems to manage to find space somehow. 😊

13/06/2026

Worth bearing in mind for next years “cream tea” garden openings. 🤣
We don’t mind how you pronounce scone and as we serve the jam and clotted cream in individual shot glasses, which you use first to spread on your scone is entirely up to you. 😊

13/06/2026

Why not take a trip out this weekend to the lovely village of Elmton where two gardens will be opening their garden gates on Saturday and Sunday afternoon to raise money for the National Garden Scheme.
We might even see you there on Sunday afternoon which is when we are planning to visit. ❤️

A lovely pair of gardens are open next weekend on Saturday 13th and Sunday 14th of June from 1pm until 5pm.
The Barn Chalico Farm is a new garden in the arts and crafts style, opening along with Pear Tree Cottage which is a cottage style garden.
You can visit both gardens for the combined admission price of £6, children free.
Cream teas will be served in the Old Schoolroom next to the church.
Dog Friendly
All the details are on the website
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/42309/the-barn-chalico-farm
https://findagarden.ngs.org.uk/garden/31356/pear-tree-cottage

12/06/2026

Spotted one of the lions in front of Sheffield Railway Station this morning. 🦁