I met the No Dig Gardener in the virtual world of blogging back in October 2012 when I first came across his blog.
Since then we have been regular visitors to one another's blogs. When Roger - his real life name - mentioned that he was opening his garden under the National Garden Scheme and seeing as we are nearly neighbours - well OK we live in the same county - it seemed the ideal opportunity to see his garden and meet Roger in person.
I did consider wearing a badge with my blogging avatar on but Roger was convinced that he would recognise me and this from a blue faced Andy Warhol type representation of my face. In the event I managed to drift around the garden taking photos - lots of photos - very much incognito. I even managed a few surreptitious shots of Roger giving visitors and helpers the benefit of his wisdom.
A man very much in his element until I cornered him and asked if he recognised me. He made a less than convincing attempt to retrieve the situation but it was obvious that his previous confidence was unwarranted. Maybe I should be happy that I was unlike my blue image or maybe I just looked far older than he expected.
Anyway once I revealed my identity we had a laugh and a chat until we left him to his audience and went to enjoy a coffee and piece of chocolate cake in his conservatory.
Roger's garden is very much our taste in gardening. Meandering paths and expanses of lawn dotted - not randomly but obviously very much planned - with lots of ponds and perennial island beds. All in a lovely country setting too.
Just to give you a flavour of Roger's garden here are one or two photos that I took.
Posts
Hello again, Sue. Having a seriously quick cup of tea and blog browse. What fun going round a fellow blogger's garden (looked great). I think I would like this garden too. I'm missing my garden and garden visits just now. Enjoy yours :-D
ReplyDeleteThanks Shirl - hope you get back on track soon!
DeleteHi Sue,
ReplyDeleteit was nice to meet you and your husband yesterday and I am glad you enjoyed your visit and the cake!
It was good to meet you too Sue and I have since enjoyed reading some posts on your entertaining blog. I don't keep any farm type animals so it was fun sharing the antics on your smallholding pals.
DeleteWhat a lovely day out. I'm so pleased that Roger had the weather for his open garden event, it must be disheartening when it's a bit of a washout, I'm sure many people will have turned up with it being such a gorgeous day. I hope lots of money was raised for charity.
ReplyDeleteIt was a lovely day out, Jo and all the better for the garden not being attached to some stately home. Roger's day was well attended so I'm sure he made a useful amount.
DeleteThere were plenty people there, Jo so I'm sure he made a useful amount for the charity
DeleteOh wow what a wonderful pond. If I ever have a bigger plot I shall certainly have a larger pond on my list.
ReplyDeleteThat was only one of Roger's ponds, Jo!
DeleteLovely pictures of a lovely garden. I read Roger's blog too from time to time so its great to see his garden from another perspective.
ReplyDeleteFrom my point of view, Liz it's puts Roger's blog into perspective too
DeleteLooks like you had a wonderful day Sue and how great to be able to meet someone who you have conversed with on your blog in person!!
ReplyDeleteIt was, Tanya. Roger is the second blogpal I've net in person. It is strange because it's not like meeting a stranger at all!
DeleteLooks like a wonderful garden. I am going to be meeting a virtual gardening friend next week when she open her garden. I am very much looking forward to it. :)
ReplyDeleteIs that through the NGS too Lorraine?
DeleteIt's nice to meet up with virtual gardening friends isn't it? It's nice to see someone's garden through another's eye too. Roger's garden is super and very inspirational. He's a very committed gardener and has give me a few pieces of 'virtual advice' for which I'm very grateful.
ReplyDeleteIt wasn't difficult to take lots of photos, Angie.
DeleteIt was really lovely to meet you Sue.
ReplyDeleteI thought you were Zena Lovett!. I jest not - she is a former colleague and you were a dead ringer.for her. That is why I was thrown into confusion. I had also in mind an image of you being a little taller. My mental image of your height I think was influenced by the stature of your formidable blog which I hugely enjoy.
I deserved the slap you gave me for my cheeky comment on your previous post!
Your pictures are great but they do remind me that my hair needs a cut and I need to loose a few pounds! Great to meet Martyn too
Just seen Martyn's great video. You were certainly busy before You revealed yourself!
DeleteYou too Roger. As for height nope I am diminutive. As I often say perfume comes in small bottles and disinfectant large ones!
DeleteNow everyone has a mental image of me being a really violent dwarf.
It was quite amusing wandering around happily taking photos and filming and knowing that you had no idea we were there.
Zena Lovett eh? Now there's a pen name for me!
A delightful garden, if only I could get mine to look like that!
ReplyDeleteHow lovely that you met Roger.....it's great to meet fellow bloggers and their gardens.xxxx
Ours would have to grow in area considerably. Snowbird
DeleteI'm another follower of Roger's blog. He is certainly a man of wide experience and strong opinions! The No Dig rule is his religion, and it seems to work well for him. :)
ReplyDeleteAnd a really nice person too, Mark
Delete