Garden Group
This group meets monthly on the 3rd Tuesday, in the afternoon, as arranged by the leaders. Garden visits usually occur between April and September, with some meetings arranged, generally in the Baptist Church Hall, over the winter period.
In July we visited Spetchley Park Gardens. Set in the Worcestershire countryside it has been home to the Berkley family for over 400 years. The garden boasts a wonderful collection of rare plants, shrubs and trees from around the world. The house is surrounded by ancient parkland, deer park and lakes which we all enjoyed. We were blessed with perfect weather yet again.
August saw us visit Miserden Garden in the Cotswolds, winners of Historic Houses Garden of the Year Award and 2018 Garden of the Year Award. Impressive herbaceous borders ran either side of the central lawn, alongside a topiary yew walk which was undergoing some replanting. We found an ancient tree which had grown around, through and over part of the wall surrounding the walled garden; and even a mulberry tree believed to be planted in 1620 full of ripening mulberries. Grass steps were neatly set into the lawn in front of the house which looks out over the Golden Valley. The garden also has a traditional nursery with an unusual choice of plants all grown on site, 800 ft up, so all were tough and hardy. The café served slightly overwhelming slices of cake – beetroot and chocolate recommended!
For a list of trips in 2018 click on the link above.
On 20th November in the Burgage Hall we will enjoy afternoon tea, provided by the members, while we discuss the way ahead for the garden group and outline plans for 2019. Proposed activities for 2019 include talks, our usual quiz, gardeners question time, three car trips to gardens and a plant swap in the autumn.
Please note that all trips must be booked and paid for in advance. Members will be provided with more detailed information on all meetings via email or phone.
New members are always welcome