President Val Jones welcomed members to the final speaker meeting of her year in office. The speaker for the occasion was Graham White talking about the amazing transformation of his large garden plot into a stunning horticultural vision, which won him and his wife Judy a highly recommended place in the National Garden Scheme (NGS). With no previous experience he overcame the formidable obstacles of a steep embankment leading down into a swamp and small stream. He achieved this this with wife Judy – along with the muscle power of three teenage sons! They moved into their home in Uttoxeter 26 years ago and spent the first 17 years creating the garden which is now open to the public each year through the NGS. It was a fascinating and entertaining story which everyone thoroughly enjoyed – and the end result shown with some super photos , is simply magnificent! Seeing the garden now it’s hard to believe the plot of ground they started with all of those years ago.
Graham used many ploys to enlist the help of their sons, including convincing them that laying the turf was for a putting green [they were keen golfers] not a lawn! In reference to this, Graham and Judy put a small golf flag on the lawn when their sons and their families visit.
During his talk Graham explained that all proceeds from entry to the garden go to NGS – and all of their money is donated each year to ‘caring’ charities – Hospice UK; MS Society; Macmillan Cancer Support being just three of them. In the 9 years they have opened as post of the scheme Graham and Judy have had 6,425 visitors to Woodleighton Grove. Private visits can be booked by phoning them on 01889 563930.
Soroptimist Sue Cartlidge gave the vote of thanks, saying that she would love similar results in her own newly acquired garden!! She presented Graham with a cheque for the National Garden Scheme charities.
President Val has ended each meeting with a quote. At this meeting she quoted Confucius, the Chinese philosopher
When it is obvious the Goals cannot be reached, do not adjust the goals, change the action steps”
Photo attached: Val Jones, President SI Cannock & District with Graham White, Woodleighton Grove Garden