Message from the Chairman:
Having said farewell to May amidst unseasonal weather conditions, we ‘welcomed’ more unseasonable weather in June with some blistering rec-ord-breaking temperatures – really difficult for our gardeners to deal with and involving many extra visits to ensure that everything remained well-watered. But – given their exceptional diligence, the Garden has survived!
Now we look to July, with a slew of group bookings for visits to the Garden and the House. Groups are hosted by Challis Trustees and Volunteers who are able to provide talks and refreshments, if required. Are you part of a group that might like to visit? Contact us via the details at the bottom of this page.
The House exhibition, telling the long and fascinating story of Sawston’s High Street, continues in the Main House. The Reeve Building is showcasing a wonderful new exhibition, exploring in depth the very many interesting trees that fill the Challis Garden, some of which are well over 100 years old.
Both exhibitions are open on Tuesdays and Saturdays between 10.00am and 12 noon. Finally – exciting times – we are once again hosting a theatre company, this time – Handlebards – who will be presenting an outdoor performance of ‘Macbeth’ (with a twist) in the Challis Garden on 23rd July at 7.00pm. They come highly recommended Tickets available online, direct-ly from the company – see their Facebook page. Bring seats and a picnic. Outdoor bar with snacks will be open. Rosie Phillips
Garden Highlights:
Well, what a year it’s turning out to be, starting with a dry Spring, late frosts and a mini-heatwave in late May, followed by some much-needed – often very heavy – rainfall and now exceptionally high temperatures. It has certainly been a challenging year. Luckily, we have a deep borehole on site so we’re not short of water, but watering is very time-consuming. We are very lucky to have a good team of dedicated volunteers who have managed the situation well to successfully raise bedding plants for the Garden. You will see lots of Nicotiana, begonias, geraniums, marigolds, Echiums and cosmos filling gaps in the herbaceous beds.
The Challis Garden opened on Sunday 14 June, along with 7 other village gardens, for the National Garden Scheme (ngs), to raise funds for important nursing and caring charities. The ngs donates over £3.5 million annually to these charities. We are very proud to support and contribute to this cause. This year broke all records, raising a remarkable £3,200 for the scheme. It was a very busy and enjoyable afternoon in perfect summer weather. We are absolutely delighted with the result. 2027 is the centenary year of the ngs so expect lots of TV coverage and more gardens to visit. Can’t wait!
The key highlight this month is undoubtedly the wildflower meadow in the centre of the main lawn, full of colour with scabious, knapweed, yellow bedstraw, white campion and yellow rattle. And it’s attracting lots of polli-nating insects, notably this year painted lady butterflies in abundance. Do pause and enjoy this colourful display and the many insects. Most shrubs and trees have finished flowering but the golden rain tree is unusual in that it flowers in mid-summer. It peaks in early July – check out the gorgeous bright yellow panicles, a real picture against a clear blue summer sky. Lots to see and enjoy! Mike Redshaw