On 7th August, a glorious sunny day, 19 members of u3a Stanway’s ‘Garden Explorers’, organised by Lindsay Greig-Smith, visited Chippins garden.

In the 30 years that Kit and Ceri Leese have owned the property, they have created a stunning and immaculate garden around their bungalow. We wandered through a riot of colour created by salvias, dahlias, petunias, lilies, agapanthus, rambling roses, hostas, coleus and so many more. An abundance of potted plants filled every available space

There were many places to sit and enjoy this garden with its meandering stream and small ponds, also the conservatory filled with more plants.  Noticing the owners’ beautiful Snow Bengal cat stalking through the undergrowth, I wondered if the absence of pigeons on the roof could be due to its presence!

Not only a talented gardener, Kit is also an accomplished artist, and some of his work was on display in his workshop, which also contained his etching machine.

Our tour ended with tea and delicious cakes baked by Kit’s wife Ceri. A great end to a lovely afternoon.