Bev reflects during a coffee break…

I started in Jan 2012, having met Susie (Trustee and volunteer gardener) on a RHS gardening course at Waterperry in 2006/7. Susie asked for help with a big garden in Abingdon, but I had no idea what to expect…. I have since learned to expect the unexpected at St Eth’s!

It was an eyeopener to see the comings and goings of different people as the garden is very much open to all, and you never know who else might be around or what questions you might be asked. One day I was up a ladder tying in rambling roses surrounded by a large group who were drawing in the garden. I later went for lunch, leaving my tools under a chair, and when I got back there was a group meditating around my tools! I crept in and retrieved them. On some afternoons this last summer we had a choir singing. No two days are the same.

I do whatever jobs I see need doing. I’m an experienced gardener, having enjoyed it since as a child my grandmother gave me a little plot to tend. I like being left and trusted to do what I want to – having scope to use my initiative. I prefer weeding, edging the lawns and tidying up to planting things, which I am not so keen on.

I don’t have a favourite part of the garden, I like the way it all works as a whole, but the yellow border when at its best is beautiful.

I’d tell anyone to have a look and explore the garden, it’s a hidden gem in the middle of town.