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RHS Wisley - 16th October
Wednesday 16th October
As always, the weather stayed fine for our visit to RHS Wisley and even better was the journey. Instead of the anticipated 2 hours to reach our destination, we were there is just 75 minutes after leaving Chinnor. The return journey was also much easier and we were back in the Village by 5.30.
RHS Wisley never disappoints, with Autumn leaves positively glowing in the sunlight and the herbaceous borders were alive with colour. There appeared to be hoards of volunteers tending the flower beds, planting bulbs, mulching the veg patches, pruning overgrown shrubs and generally keeping this beautiful place up to the high standard we have come to expect.
Almost without exception, those who came on the trip declared what a wonderful day it had been, expecially as the forecast rains never materialised and the sun shone, keeping the temperature up. The downside to this was the fact that we all ended up carrying our extra layers of clothing which became redundant in the Autumn warmth.
Old Keepers - Hedgerley 18th September
Wednesday 18th September
This garden was a complete surprise to us all. Built on the side of a hill, with so many levels creating pockets of interest. Winding paths leading to different areas of the garden, with surprises round every corner.
The hosts were wonderful, sharing their enthusiasm for gardening with us all. Of course, the home made Scones and Lemon Drizzle cake topped off the visit.
NYMANS - National Trust 21st August
Wednesday 21st August - This was a coach trip to Nymans NT in Haywards Heath, West Sussex. The journey there was fine with only minor delays around the M25. We arrived early and a lovely lady from reception, boarded the coach and welcomed us with an overview of the Estate, before handing out maps for us all. We were then free to roam at our leisure, some heading for the coffee shop, others to the derelict part of the old house, while others decided to stroll through the gardens. It was a place full of interest, and the central herbaceous borders were a riot of colour. Everyone commented on another great day out.
Chesham Bois House 17th July
Wednesday 17th July - This visit was back to our regular 3rd Wednesday of the month and was to Chesham Bois House, the home of Julia Plaistowe. We were met by Jim the gardener who gave us a tour of the 3 acre garden, consisting of herbaceous borders, a ril leading into a fish pond, a walled garden, an old orchard and a wildlife pond. As usual, the weather stayed dry and we all enjoyed ambling round this beautiful oasis. We then gathered at the Summer House to be served with tea, coffee and cake before setting off back home. We were in two groups with 27 in the morning and 25 in the afternoon. A good turnout, so thanks to everyone for supporting this visit.
Hampton Court Garden Festival 4th July
On Thursday 4th July, 50 members of the Gardening Group, boarded a coach to travel to the Hampton Court Garden Festival. The journey took over 3 hours due to extreme traffic congestion, but everyone was in good humour and thanked the driver for his skill in coping with the horrendous conditions.
On arrival, tickets were duly issued and everyone set off for a 20 minute walk up and over the footbridge, to gain access to the Show grounds. Once inside, all the traumers of the journey were forgotten as everyone dispersed in different directions to take in all the stalls, stands and marquees, for the next 4 hours. Everyone agreed it was yet another great day out for the group.
Robin Hill Garden - Stokenchurch 19th June
On Wednesday 19th June, 70 members of the Gardening Group visited Robin Hill in Stokenchurch. Two groups attended, one in the morning and another in the afternoon. The owner welcomed everyone and gave a brief introduction about the history of the house and surrounding land. We were then invited to wander at our leisure. There was a beautiful wild flower meadow, a cherry orchard with the most enormous cherry trees laden with fruit which, unfortunately, was not quite ripe to eat. The rest of the garden was laid out in a very relaxed style which made us all feel at ease as we walked around. We were then offered tea and cake on the patio while we basked in the early summer sun. All in all a most beautiful experience.
The Walled Garden - Wormsley Estate: Wednesday 15th May 2024
On Wednesday 15th May, a group of 60 members visited the Walled Garden in the grounds of the Wormsley Estate, near Stokenchurch. The weather stayed fine and Charlotte, the Head Gardener, welcomed us all with a very interesting talk on the history and background of the garden. We were then left to wander around the 7 acre site at our leisure. We previously visited the Garden in August 2019 and the difference between two seasons was quite noticeable.
Kingsbridge Farm - Wednesday 17th April 2024
This was the first of this years' visits on Wednesday 17th April, and it certainly did not disappoint. Despite the chilly breeze, the rain held off and over 45 people across two groups, enjoyed the spectacular 6 acre garden in Steeple Claydon. Some pictures taken on the day can be seen here.
We last visited this 6 acre garden in September 2014 and we can recall how beautiful if was at that time. Revisiting in Springtime was a real pleasure with so much colour, blossom and scent filling the air. There were so many different areas to explore and it was difficult to choose which one was the best. They were all magical.
Tea and Cake in the barn with the woodburning stove warming us up, was a wonderful end to the day.
