By Nick Condron
Our annual Music Day, held on Saturday 20th July, was a sensational triumph! Thanks to the incredible support of our community, we shattered our single-day fundraising record, raising over £10,000 in just seven hours. The glorious sunshine and a stellar line-up of performers created an unforgettable atmosphere.
From the moment the gates opened, there was a buzz of excitement. The enchanting melodies of our talented musicians drifted throughout the garden, while the tantalizing aromas of homemade cakes, freshly baked pizzas, and aromatic curries filled the air. The cake stall was a veritable feast for the eyes, with everything from classic Victoria sponge to decadent chocolate fudge.
Pizza lovers were presented with a choice between our traditional tomato and mozzarella Margherita and our Garden Gate Special, topped with our own courgettes and goats cheese. And for those craving a taste of adventure, our curry corner offered a mouth-watering selection of flavours along with some delicious salads.
A special thanks to Julian at The Lifeboat & Chapel for the generous donation of cider and to Eddie at Gadd’s Ramsgate Brewery for providing the beer. Your support helped make the day even more special.
We’re immensely grateful to everyone who contributed to this amazing day, from our talented musicians to the dedicated volunteers who ensured everything ran smoothly. Your generosity and enthusiasm made it a truly special event.
We can’t wait to welcome you back for our Falling Leaves Art and Craft Open Day this autumn. Pencil it in for Saturday 2nd November, between 12.30 pm and 3.30 pm, and stay tuned for more details!
Now that it’s August, our vegetable beds are producing a steady flow of fantastic crops. Charlotte has been busy making the third succession sowing of beetroot. Our garlic bulbs have been harvested and strung up to dry in the Pizza Hut. Whilst the Trombone squashes in the polytunnel are growing into a real sight to behold!
The runner beans are just reaching their peak too, along with our varied selection of green leaves. In the kitchen, a handful of freshly picked basil, rocket, and lettuce dressed in a drizzle of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, and a pinch of salt and pepper makes for a delicious salad accompaniment to some boiled pasta and the first flush of our fried green tomatoes and peppers.
It really is what the garden is all about at it’s very best: fresh, organic produce cultivated from seed to harvest and prepared for the table, by our wonderful and inspiring community of gardeners. It’s the social interaction, communication and camaraderie that go into the rich texture of our project’s fabric of so many different shades of green, which make it all taste so exquisitely perfect!
We do hope that you’re able to join us at some stage through the summer. Remember we’re open from 10 am until 3 pm every weekday, so do pop in if you’re in the neighbourhood of Friend’s Corner. Have a wander or a tranquil sit in the shade. Or share some of our produce, a bunch of flowers, a plant or two, or just a cuppa. Whatever the reason, we’re always happy to welcome you in through our gate. In the meantime, until next we meet, happy gardening!