What a fabulous day we all had on our annual Pirate Day which traditionally marks the close of our family fortnight event here at Harlow Carr.
Despite a rather worrying heavy shower during the early morning we were blessed with sunshine and an enthusiastic complement of crew with just under 3000 visitors arriving at Harlow Carr to enjoy a fun packed day which included treasure hunts, face painting, pirate crafts and parrots.
I was working on the main entrance welcoming our visitors wearing a rather nice velvet blue pirate outfit! I must admit it was a shame to give it up at the end of the day.
It was lovely to see parents and children alike all dressed up for the occasion with some amazing outfits including swords and pistols, parrots and gold!
I took my hat off to the young chap who was dressed in a cardboard pirate galleon; he informed me proudly that he had made it himself with a little help from his grandma and granddad.
You would think that our 58 acre site would have been crowded but surprisingly though when I was out in the garden during the afternoon I noted how calm the garden felt. Our visitors were content enjoying the open space and there was plenty fun and laughter.
I quote one dad I got chatting too after we had a brief sword fight, he said why spend £30 trudging around a theme park to stand in a long queue for a two minute thrill, the kids have loved it here today, its just what a family needs.
That is music to our ears gardens and families associated with fun and exploration!
The Family Fortnight is a big team effort so big thanks to everyone that has helped and took part.
I don't want to alarm you but autumn has arrived! The signs are there with a noticeable chill in the air during the early mornings and there are those subtle tell tale changes in colour to foliage on some of our trees.
I think we are in for an early autumn this year and possibly some spectacular autumn colour. Autumn is a fascinating time of year and marks a significant change in the garden with a fabulous vibrant display of autumnal colour before the onset of winter.
And we are going to be busy with bulb planting in autumn and during winter with the construction of the new Alpine house and landscaping going at a pace and the relocation of our kitchen garden to create space for the start of development of our new learning centre.
Why not pay us a visit and come along to our autumn plant fair Sunday 7TH September, a real plant-oholics day, there will be 20 nurseries selling a variety of plants from alpines, perennials, herbs, bulbs and unusual plants.
There will also be informative demonstrations on planting up containers for autumn and winter to using bulbs and foliage plants.
We look forward to seeing you all, and keep an eye on that autumn colour it is time to dig out your scarves and hats!
Chill........................