Visits 2024

OurJune outing was self-drive to the village of Uley to visit two gardens. The first was The Walled Garden, owned by Caroline Purdon. After an introductory talk from Caroline we were able to wander around this beautifully designed enclosed space with boders and ponds and as well as a kitchen garden and a gravel garden.

After an excellent tea we crossed the road to Dauncey's Mill and were greeted by the owner Debs Paproska-Cole. The history of this garden could still be seen and felt with different areas and levels cleverly planted.

The mill pond, mill race and waterwheel added to the special atmosphere of this garden.

We visited Duck Pond Farm in Wingfield on an evening in July.

Marc and Janet Berlin welcomed us on what was a suprisingly sunny evening. We were able to make the most this glorious garden as we wandered through the very differing areas that our hosts have created.

Drinks and nibbles, followed by cake and tea completed a very enjoyable self drive outing.

We finished the season with a stay in West Sussex and were blessed with glorious weather despite a disappointing summer.

We started our trip at Borde Hill, a garden owned by the Stephenson Clark family. Many thanks to Matt and Sarah for a very interesting and entertaining tour round this restful garden.

Each area had something different to offer.

We then went on to Wakehurst. Our guides were very informative and gave us a more scientific view on the trees that we saw. See the stretchy xylem, left.

We also learnt about the seed bank and the precautions taken to ensure its safety.

Our first outing of the year was in May, self-drive to The Rectory, Doynton, owned by Edwina and Clive Humby.

We were welcomed by Darren and Louise who happily stayed with us for the afternoon.

This was an immaculate garden with a series of walks and rooms that blended the traditional with the modern. Truly relaxing.

We were then welcomed to Denmans by Mike who gave us a talk on The John Brookes Foundation and the renovation of the garden.

We were then free to wander about and admire the elegance and peace around us

The next morning saw us at Architectural Plants.

Jay and his team showed us around this exceptional nursery. We saw much of how the plants are propagated and grown in house, and heard about the philosophy behind this forward looking business.

Sada's cakes were pretty good too!

The final stop of the day was Arundel Castle Gardens.

Head Gardener Martin showed us round and filled us with information about this exceptional garden.

This a place of both tradition and change on a grand scale.

On our final morning we visited Woolbeding - a very special NT property - Penny gave us an introductory talk and then we wandered around at will. Quite something, especially the Silk Road. A garden lovingly built with a different atmosphere at every turn.

On our way back to Bath we went to Gilbert White's House and Gardens in Selborne.

This made a contrast to our other visits.

The garden tour by the Head Gardener gave us an insight to wildlife and gardens in the 18th century. The plants and trees date back to the time of the Rev. White. This includes the vegetable garden, quite a challenge.

Entrance to the house meant that we could also see The Oates Collection, and learn about two members of the Oates family, both explorers of the natural world.

A successful outing with a very sociable group of people. Thanks to Centurion Travel and our driver Martin for making sure that we were always on time!