Starting to panic

Oh dear Ducky... maybe you can opt out this year or they will cancel due to bad weather. There is nothing worse than knowing your garden is going to be open and not being able to get it up to scratch.

Hi Ducky,
Cutting the grass made a huge difference to our 'work in progress' garden, it looks almost tidy now. Work on the chicken run and put beer out for the slugs and pray for rain!
Good luck!

Maybe you could describe it as a 'before' garden and visitors can come back next year and see the 'after' version! Seriously, Everyone knows how bad the weather has been and will take that in to account when viewing. As Penkate says, just cutting the grass makes a huge difference to the look of the whole garden as well as the grass. Our front 'lawn' is 80% moss and weeds but still looks quite good when cut and edges trimmed. It's amazing how much you can achieve if you can get on with it and maybe....just maybe we are going to get some respite from the rain. Good luck

I have a saying that goes with just about anything
if in doubt, chuck it out!!

works wonders

cut the grass as someone has already said, it immediatly helps things seem tidier
trimmed edges are always a god send, helps yo see clearer

all in all

dont panic

x x x

Take conselation that every one else in the village has had the same weather as you and that you are all in the same boat (although I hope it is not quite as bad as that!).
Everything will be all right on the day.

Such a shame Ducky, but as everyone else is saying you can only do your best........... and go out for the day so no one can see you. :~((

can I say going round anyones garden is always a privelege and if it is still work in progres just say so and most people will talk about what you plan to do rather than criticising it. I am always graeful that people open their gardens, so stop worrying and well done.

Don't panic Ducky! You've loads of time yet...have a quick tidy up, give everything a good feed and a "deadhead", and if all else fails, nip to the garden centre and buy something pretty and colourful to fill any gaps! Best of luck, and hope the weather is kind to you :)

Ducky - my garden is open this weekend and if it's any consolation to you, I have a leaking pond and a new piece of garden that is completely bare. I plan to put up two notices, one to apologise for the state of the pond )and explain the leak) and the other to invite people back next year to see the new piece of garden.
Good luck with your opening.

Good luck. I think we might have a few nice days yet so you'll be able to catch up with what needs doing. It will be fine - you'll see.

Thanks Guys, You always make me feel better.
The organiser came round last night to check out what he can write in the 'programme' he didnt seem too concerned.
He has even asked us if we will have a small 'stall' selling hair accessories that have been donated by a local shop that was closing down.

Never mind
1. we have a great view
2. I can put out duck food so visitors can feed the ducks
3. The chickens are usually amusing
4. we could host a slug catching competition!
5. The proceeds all go to the church so every little helps.

I do think I will go with the notice idea though (thanks Andrew) - perhaps put up a plan of what is intended - 'the Vision' at least it will be a talking point. Im sure Hywel is right - the weather will perk up a bit, if not Bulbaholics boat idea may come into its own after all!!

Cheers.

So pleased you have come round to a plan of action, It sounds like a very good day of activities and the 'vision' will be a great talking point. Finger crossed and good luck, I hope you raise loads for your church :~))

Re idea number 4 - give a prize to the child that catches the most slugs for you :-)

Good idea Andrew - maybe a bag of 'jelly worms'!!!

Re: the two 'problems' when I opened my garden yesterday
I put up two signs as suggested by the County Organiser

The pond leaking - no-one even mentioned it

New area - lots of interested enquiries about what I am planning to do with it

So I got away with it - phew!

Im so glad that it went well for you Andrew.