When you open your garden for local village neighbours to visit for a fund raiser, it is critical to include somewhere for your patrons to sit and while away the odd few minutes with that all essential cup of tea and selection of home made cakes. Having toured a set of gardens recently, I was struck by the care and attention to detail that some owners showed. The tea tents varied between simple large parasol shaped shelters to full gazebo affairs. The chairs and tables were all substantial, whether the much derided plastic sets or the full blown teak patio tables and matching chairs. Once the oil cloth table covers, pegged to table legs, and seat cushions are in place and very gratefully being used by the hoardes of visitors, then no one actually cares a jot about the materials or age – in fact I watched some of the husbands quite clearly deciding the newer plastic chair ensembles were going to suit them and Madame’s substantial frames more safely! These are definitely things to take into consideration if one has ambitions to join in opening the garden.
