Retreat House hosts garden quiet day

WE are never nearer God than in a garden, it is said. Val Tyler, gardener at the Chelmsford diocesan retreat house at Pleshey, could not agree more.

She said: "I'm constantly aware of God's wonderful creation when I go out into the garden and my faith
has grown since I've been here.'

She is getting the one-acre garden ready for the first garden quiet day on July 12. Val, who began working at Pleshey nine years ago, said: "Sue, wife of the then warden, the Revd John Howden, looked after the garden and I helped her one day a week. When she knew they were going to move, she nagged and
nagged me to take over. I had to be persuaded but I soon found I loved it."

Val works 22 hours a week in summer and 18 in winter, tending the extensive lawns, vegetable plots, herbaceous borders, paths, shrubberies, flowers and fruit trees, including medlar, quince, mulberry and walnut.

The fruit is made into home-made jams and chutney for sale and there are also plant sales
at the retreat house annual open days.

Val, of Chelmer Village, Chelmsford, was a civil servant then worked in the plant section of Homebase before joining the team at Pleshey. Gardening was just a hobby until then and she is self-taught.

Retreat house warden, the Revd Sheila Coughtrey, said: "Val does a terrific job and our guests often
say how much the tranquillity and beauty of the garden add to the enjoyment of their stay."

The quiet day will cost £18, including buffet lunch in the garden. Val would welcome any special requests.

To book, telephone the Retreat House on 01245 237251 or email retreathouse.pleshey@virgin.net

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