Burleydam WI's August meeting

Briarfields in Aston is not a garden in the traditional English style though it complements the turn of the century house perfectly. Here you will not find summer bedding or well laid out borders. Instead, wild flowers flourish among perennials and the scent of herbs fills the air.

It is a haven for birds and insects and honeybees find plenty to sustain their hives. Fruits that would have been found in most well-to-do Edwardian estates – peaches, apricots and grapes – today flourish in the polytunnel. They, and the newly located kitchen garden, recall the heyday of gardening before the First World War when labour was cheap and plentiful.

It is hard to believe that this garden now is tended by just two people. Liz and Tony Gentil came to Aston in 1991 and are still developing the site to fit their own special philosophy. Tony's passion for fruit is seen in the five acre field with nearly 400 different varieties of apple as well as plums, pears, damsons and quinces. Liz, an ecologist, finds plenty of scope for her special projects.

Above all, Briarfields is a garden that is clearly enjoyed by its custodians, whether working in it, or relaxing on the patio enjoying the fruits of their labours!

The garden is not usually open to the public but Liz and Tony invited Burleydam and District WI to hold a Garden Evening at their home on 3rd August. President, Sarah Lunt welcomed guests of honour, Margery Hall, Cheshire Federation Chairman, and her husband, Richard who were joined by over 70 members and visitors.

The buffet was provided by Jean Cornes. The Cake Stall, Craft Stall, Tombola and Raffle were run by Elaine Walton, Sheila Beeston, June Orend and Angela Lightfoot. And to make the evening even better, it did not rain!

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