I would like to invite you take a gander at our garden which consists mainly of dahlias – they are a passion of mine. The aim is to charge one pound admission fee which will be sent to “Help for Heroes” as soon as the frost mares our display. Of course you can come as many times as you like, but not for the same pound. Unfortunately my days of opening the garden on a specific week-end are now over, but this is one way I can still collect for a yearly charity. 

I should think like us - you are saddened by the number of times we see our armed forces return in large transport aircraft in silence. This money will help those that arrive back alive, but are traumatised by their experiences.  I used to think I’d make a good soldier, but now I don’t think so - it takes a little more than I ever had. Please tell your friends about my effort to help others less fortunate than our selves.  For those that know me well - will realise I am working will one arm tied behind my back – how age hampers us. 

The garden is open every day that we are here - which is sometimes a little more than my dear wife Irene cares for, but she has always supported me in everything I’ve ever accomplished. If any of you belong to garden clubs, allotment associations, or other societies please phone 01202 425182 to make arrangements for your larger groups, and please realise the parking restrictions between  11am and 12pm, and again from 2pm and 3pm to stop those that wish to park all day. It isn't a large garden, but full of interest, and I will willingly tell you anything you’d like to know about breeding the glorious flower – and surprisingly there are very few rules to obey. We can’t offer tea or cakes – those days are gone, but we can offer you cordiality. This species from Central America is for ever changing, and reinventing its self so breeding becomes a constant pleasure.

Thank you for your time I hope you can make it Ken Stock.

Little Wisley 27 Petersfield Road Bournemouth Dorset BH7 6QG.