Outings
The Society runs a number of coach outings each year to places of "gardening interest".
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
Wednesday 21st September 2011 to Upton House and Gardens near Banbury.A 17th century House with the interior remodelled in 1927-29 in Art Deco Style by the 2nd Viscount Bearsted whose father was the founder of Shell Oil. His collection of Old Master paintings, superb porcelain including Derby, Chelsea, Worcester and Sevres, 18th century Furniture and memorabilia and advertising posters of Shell are exhibited. The 32 acres of magnificent gardens were transformed by Kitty Lloyd-Jones in the 1930s. A rare kitchen display garden, herbaceous borders and beautiful terraced gardens leading down to an 18th century lake with water lilies. The highlight should be the National Collection of asters recommended by Tony Russell in "Gardens to Visit". A 45 minute garden tour may be available (depending on numbers and availability of guide) approx. £2.50 each to be collected on the day. Plant sales, shop and restaurant.
Saturday 15th October 2011 to Exbury Gardens and Steam Railway.
Renowned 200 acre woodland garden in the New Forest on the bank of the River Beaulieu, created by Lionel de Rothschild in the 1920s with rare trees and shrubs, a rock garden, exotic garden, ponds and cascades. It should be a blaze of autumn colour when we visit with deciduous azaleas, acers, liquidambers, dogwoods, nyssas and oxydendrum. A 20 minute journey on the popular Exbury narrow guage steam railway around part of the Gardens is available. A welcome talk about the gardens and history will be available in the restaurant, dependent on numbers. Cash will be collected on the day. Plant sales, gift shop, teas and restaurant.