B5) Trip to Lavender Fields & Hidcote
The day trip was a visit to the Cotswold Lavender Fields and the National Trust's Hidcote. It turned out to be a day of sharp contrasts. The (barely in bloom) lavender fields were shrouded in mist and drizzle, whilst the facilities were poor and the staff unsympathetic.
Consequently we travelled on from the lavender fields with heavy hearts wondering what Hidcote had in store for us. But what a contrast! By the time we had arrived the sun had come out, there was an amazing welcome awaiting our group, and the gardens were magnificent.
Hidcote is one of the best known and most influential Arts & Crafts inspired gardens in the country and is set in the rolling Cotswold hills. The gardens were created by Major Lawrence Johnston and many of the colourful plants that we saw were collected by him on his plant-hunting expeditions. We enjoyed exploring the maze of narrow pathways that intricately linked secret gardens, ponds, greenhouses and magnificent vistas.
We all came home with plenty of gardening ideas and plants
Click on a picture below to see it full-size with more details.
