All Winners at CPRE Hampshire's Open Garden

On a very hot Sunday afternoon recently Christopher and Susan Napier opened their garden to CPRE Hampshire members at Kimpton House in Petersfield. Guests had the opportunity to look around the herbaceous border, secret garden, herb garden, butterfly meadow and tropical garden. Views of the South Downs from the garden were at their best, with the contrasting colours of ripening corn and grasses swaying in the breeze against the green hedgerows and trees.

As well as looking at the garden guests had the opportunity to peruse several stalls run by local retailers. Jeremy Wood of CPRE East Hampshire District Group, said:

"CPRE Hampshire is proud to have supported producers of local products for many years and are delighted that visitors to the garden agreed by purchasing the majority of stock that stall holders brought on the day."

MacGregor's Plants for Shade said they had a most successful afternoon at Kimpton House Open Garden. Irene and Stuart Bowron from the small, family run specialist nursery for shade-loving and shade tolerant ferns, shrubs and perennials in Romsey (01794 340256) set up a stall where guests could purchase and learn about these plants. Pam and George Gammer from Broughton also set up an attractive stall where they sold their own floral photographic greeting cards (01794 301429).

Imbhams Farm Granary stall presented two portable milling machines so visitors could watch fresh grains being milled and sold as flour and breakfast cereals. They also demonstrated their new venture, Furnace End Flaked Oats, where freshly flaked (within the last 24 hours) oats and other cereals are used as the basis of a breakfast cereal and for delicious bread.

James Halfhide, Partner in Imbhams Farm Granary, said:

"As we could see fresh grain crops growing in the background to Kimpton House, it was a perfect setting to demonstrate our range of Mueslis, Rolled Oats and Stoneground Flours (Spelt, Rye and local Wheat). A lot of people showed real interest in the flavours and nutritional benefits fresh grains provide. Imbhams Farm Granary products are available at the Guildford, Milford and Ripley Farmers Markets, Specialist Food Events and pre-ordered through New Leaf Foods of Haslemere (01428 648882)."

The success of the day was felt by many including Pam Mason, CPRE Hampshire Administrator, who said:

"Despite the heat, just over 180 visitors enjoyed the beautiful gardens and admired the stunning views across the South Downs. Tea and home-made cakes were served in the shade of several tents on the formal lawn, and most visitors took advantage of the chance to sit and relax in the beautiful setting. As a result of the afternoon, we were able to contribute a sum of just under £1000 to the funds of CPRE Hampshire, and we gained some new members - many thanks to Mr and Mrs Napier for their generosity in opening the garden on our behalf."

- Ends -

CPRE/H/085

Notes to editors

The Campaign to Protect Rural England, Hampshire Branch (CPRE Hampshire) is a registered charity and a branch of the national CPRE charity.

CPRE Hampshire strives to promote the beauty, tranquility and diversity of the countryside of Hampshire by the sustainable use of land and other resources in town and country, and encouraging the biodiversity and well-being of rural communities.

For membership information on CPRE, please contact:
Pam Mason, administrator, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01962 843655
Email:admin@cprehampshire.org.uk

For all media enquiries, please contact:
Keren Burney, media & communications officer, CPRE Hampshire
Tel: 01730 894123   Mobile: 07876 780065
Email: kburney000@aol.com

© Copyright. CPRE Hampshire, 2007. All Rights Reserved.