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 7th August 2010 to Great Comp Garden and Garden Show Beautiful 7 acre garden with sweeping lawns, winding woodland paths and formal area near the early 17th century manor. Romantic ruins combined with luxuriant planting give panoramic views of the garden which has an extensive range of exotic plants collected by the Curator over 15 years - Garden show: Specialist Nurseries, gardenware suppliers, local artists and craftspeople, jazz ensemble and ‘Pimms’ available on the lawn. Refreshments incl. home made cakes in the Old Dairy Tearoom and Broadview Gardens, Kent 10 acres located on the old Medway flood plains, divided into themed gardens, Japanese, medicinal, Italian garden, wildlife garden, lakes, ponds and woodland designed, built and maintained by Hadlow College students and staff. Garden centre and tea room.
- Wednesday 8th September 2010 to Great Dixter House and Gardens . House c.1450 birthplace and home of the late gardening writer Christopher Lloyd boasts the largest surviving timber framed hall in the country, restored and enhanced by Sir Edwin Lutyens. Garden: Christopher Lloyd devoted his life to creating one of the most experimental gardens in the country, including flower meadows, pond and the famous Long Border and Exotic Garden. Nursery offers wide range of rare and interesting plants. Shop. Light refreshments available.
- Wednesday 13th October 2010 to Emmetts Garden Five acre hillside plantsman’s garden, influenced by William Robinson with the highest tree top in Kent - superb views - noted for its fine collection of rare trees and flowering shrubs, rock garden, extensive planting of acers for autumn colour. Steep slopes. Plant sales, stable tea room and Down House and Garden, Kent The extensive gardens at Down House and surrounding landscape were Darwin’s ‘outdoor laboratory’ and provided the inspiration for much of his work. Today they are of significant cultural importance and interest to both the garden lover and those interested in Darwin’s life and theories. The garden tour includes his greenhouses, kitchen garden, orchard, meadow and the ‘Sandwalk’- his ‘thinking’ path. The house reflects his family life and holds exhibitions of his life aboard the Beagle, books, scientific instruments etc. Refreshments are available in the tea room in Darwin’s kitchen.
In the February newsletter I mentioned the possibility of a visit to Highgrove Garden. Luckily we were successful in our application and following a ballot from the large number of applications received some of our members visited in April. In view of the high demand for places I will try to obtain another date, hopefully next year, for those who were unlucky in April and will let these members know how to apply for a future visit in the next newsletter.
Outings are undertaken at your own risk, may involve a fair amount of walking and may also have steep slopes
Ann Bate