Outings
The Society runs a number of coach outings each year to places of "gardening interest". In the past we have visited Sissinghurst, Hidcote Manor Garden, Great Dixter and Beth Chatto's garden. During 2007 there were visits to Capel Manor Gardens and College, Cotswold Wildlife Park and Gardens and St. Mary's House and Gardens while 2008 saw visits to Cliveden House and Gardens and Sir Harold Hillier Gardens amongst others. Visits in 2009 included Scotney Castle, Danson House and Hall Place & Gardens, Uppark House & Garden, High Beeches Gardens and Hinton Ampner.
There are usually two coach pick up points - one in Sidney Road (adjacent to Churchfield Road, map) and the other at St Peter's Church, Burwood Road, Hersham. (map)
Prompt booking is advised on all outings as they are very popular.
This Year's Outings
- Saturday 1st May 2010 to Penshurts Place and Gardens Fortified manor house, ancestral home of the Sidney family since 1552, superb Baron’s Hall (1341) with fine tapestries, furniture, portraits, porcelain and armour. Formal terraces, 11 acre walled Tudor garden divided into rooms with variety of foliage and blooms .
- Saturday 22nd May 2010 to Stourhead House and Gardens. 18th century Palladium Mansion, a unique Regency library with collection of Chippendale furniture & paintings .Set in exquisite English landscape garden laid out by Henry Hoare between 1741&1780 with classical temples including the Pantheon and Temple of Apollo, magnificent lake, enchanting grotto, secluded valley and rare trees.
- Wednesday 7th July 2010 to Groombridge Place Gardens. First laid out in 1674 on a gentle south-facing slope, formal walled gardens are set against a romantic medieval moat house (not open) These 17th Century Formal Gardens include a white rose garden, herbaceous borders, knot garden, nut walk, oriental garden, secret garden, a paradise walk plus drunken garden with crazy topiary and water sun dial.
There is an additional form attached asking members to reply if interested in a trip to Highgrove Garden. If we are successful with our application for 25 places it will be more expensive than usual (£35+?) due to the smaller numbers, distance, entrance costs etc. We may also visit Westonbirt Arboretum (free to RHS members) on the same day as it is nearby. If there is a good response it may be necessary to hold a ballot.
Later in the year we will be visiting Great Comp, a plantsman’s paradise, in Kent on Saturday 7th August, the day of their Garden Show. The late Christopher Lloyd’s superb garden at Great Dixter, Sussex will be visited on Wednesday 8th September and also Darwin’s home, Down House on Wednesday 13th October. If you are interested in the August – October trips please diarise them and apply on the application forms sent out with the July newsletter.
Ann Bate
Full information has been mailed to our members; this can also be downloaded herePDF (120kb), although please note only members of the society are allowed to book outings. Of course, your guests need not be members!