Visits in 2022
Happily we were on track for the 2021/22 season, with our first two meetings at the American Museum and Garden, followed by a return to the University for the remaining six.
For 2022 we have arranged a variety of visits, both self drive and coach, as well as a three day trip to Derbyshire and Shropshire.
Our first outing, in April was self drive to Broadleas Garden, near Devizes. We were welcomed by owners Mr and Mrs Cardiff. The garden was bursting with plants to delight the senses. The dell and secret garden were a joy to explore.
May saw us on another self drive visit, this time to The Old Vicarage, Edington. Former plant hunter John d'Arcy showed us round his exceptional garden, packed with plants and with stunning views across the Wiltshire countryside.
In early June we ventured futher afield, to Derbyshire and Shropshire. This time we travelled together, staying away for two nights.
Our first stop was to The Dower House, Melbourne. Griselda Kerr showed us round her very personal, very beautiful garden overlooking The Pool at Melbourne.
Our second visit of the day was to the le Notre garden at Melbourne Hall. A peaceful garden faithful to its 18th century origins, but extensively restored by Lord and Lady Kerr, with specimen trees and new planting schemes.
Day two started at Thornbridge Hall, owned by Emma and Jim Harrison. With a long border and terraced lawns, along with a water garden this was a relaxing quintessentially English garden, 'a thousand shades of green'.
Not to be missed on a visit to Derbyshire, stunning Chatsworth was next. This was an opportunity to see the 'new' rockery as well as old favourites. Those who wanted to so could also go round the house.
Our final day began at the Dorothy Clive Garden Trust near Market Drayton.
The first shower of the trip did not deter anyone as this was an exceptional garden, with magnificent trees and stunning borders.
Thank you to the head gardener for adding so much to our enjoyment.
Our last visit was to Wollerton Old Hall Garden, we were welomed by owner John Jenkins. This special garden, was laid out in seperate areas, each with its own style and ethos. A garden full of ideas.
This was a busy trip, but we were fortunate with the weather and came home well informed after visiting a wide range of gardens.
The end of June saw us visiting two gardens in Oxfordshire, travelling together by coach. First Broughton Castle, with long herbaceous borders and stunning roses. Our thanks to Chris whose knowledge of the garden and the plants in it added much to our enjoyment.
Lunch was excellent too.
In the afternoon we moved on to Broughton Grange, a 21st century garden and arboretum. Andrew gave us a guided tour of this unique garden which meant that we could fully appreciate the variety of areas set within the glorious Oxfordshire countryside.
Their tea and cake went down well before we came home.
At the end of July we visited two gardens near Devizes. The first was at West Lavington Manor, a 5 acre walled garden. Jessica guided us around the many different aspects of a very inspiring and relaxing place. We were able to have a picnic lunch in the grounds, and so appreciate a truly relaxing atmosphere.
After lunch we went on to a contemporary garden at Wudston House. Despite the current drought this was an exceptional formal garden and arboretum. David, the owner, gave us an introductory talk. We were then able to wander throughout. The perennial meadow, with its cloud of blue, was something that had to be explored. We managed to have tea before the clouds opened. For once the rain had to be welcomed.
Our final trip of the year was to Berkshire in September. First to Malverleys, owned by the von Opels. This garden, the vision of Head Gardener Matt Reese, was still bursting with huge ammounts of colour. The autumnal planting had survived the hot summer and was an inspiration. The guides were very informative, which added to our appreciation and enjoyment.
We then went on to Woolton House garden where we were warmly welcomed by owner Rosamond Brown. After a delicious home grown lunch we were shown round the garden by Rosamond and her gardeners. The lines and geometric spaces inspired by Mondrian challenged our preconceptions but once we got our eye in everyone was most impressed.
All too soon we were back on the coach and on our way home.