Outings 2020

Fir Croft - Calver, Hope Valley

www.alpineplantcentre.co.uk

Owned by Dr. Steve Furness, a past speaker at our Group meetings. A Plantsman’s garden, massive scree area with many varieties. Rockeries; water garden and nursery; extensive collection (over 3000 varieties) of alpines; conifers; over 800 sempervivums, 500 saxifrages and 350 primulas. Many new varieties not seen anywhere else in the UK. Huge new tufa wall planted with rare Alpines and sempervivums. We should arrive prior to the Nursery opening, Dr Furness will give an introduction to the site. Plants for sale may only be in small quantities.

There are no toilets or catering facilities at Fir Croft but 400 yds along the road are the Eyre Arms and/or The Garden Room Café at Calver Sough Nurseries for coffee and cake at your own expense. www.calversoughgardencentre.com

Lea Gardens - Lea, Matlock

www.leagarden.co.uk

A long established garden with a unique collection of highly acclaimed rhododendrons, azaleas, kalmias, and other plants of interest that have been introduced from the far corners of the world. The gardens are sited on the remains of a medieval quarry and cover about 4 acres on a wooded hillside. The rock garden contains a huge variety of alpines with acers, dwarf conifers, heathers and spring bulbs. A specialised plant nursery sells plants which reflect the gardens’ content. The Coffee Shop is noted for home baked cakes and light refreshments which are at your own expense.

PLEASE NOTE THERE ARE GRAVEL PATHS AND STEEP SLOPE

Wollerton Old Hall Garden - Market Drayton, Shropshire

www.wollertonoldhallgarden.com

Following a recent talk by the Head Gardener Phil Smith, it will be a long anticipated return visit for some and a sight to behold for first time visitors to this much admired 4 acre garden created around a C16 house (not open). Its formal structure creates a variety of gardens each with their own colour theme and character. Planting is mainly of perennials, the large range of which results in significant collections of salvias, clematis, crocosmias and roses.

Chris Beardshaw comments on the website “I can show anyone, anywhere in the world, photos of this place and they all agree that it is a world-class example of an English Garden” Tea/coffee included. LOTS OF PLANTS FOR SALE
Some areas suitable for Mobility Scooter but not all.

Waterperry Gardens near Wheatley, Oxford

www.waterperrygardens.co.uk

We spend all day here. Included is a 1 hour guided tour, then the freedom of eight acres of landscaped ornamental gardens which have been a delight and inspiration to gardeners for more than seventy-five years. Founded as a school of horticulture for ladies by Beatrix Havergal in the 1930’s, they provide a wealth of interest and garden design ideas.

There is a stunning classical herbaceous border 200 feet long which should be at its peak. Also a formal garden, rose garden, ornamental garden, alpine garden, lily garden and island beds. Enjoy a walk along the River Thame, refreshments in Miss H’s Tea Shop; shop in the Plant Centre and Garden Shop, Gift Barn, Gallery, or explore the Rural Life Museum, Orange Tree House, Saxon Church, and Orchard

There is a stunning classical herbaceous border 200 feet long which should be at its peak. Also a formal garden, rose garden, ornamental garden, alpine garden, lily garden and island beds. Enjoy a walk along the River Thames, refreshments in Miss H’s Tea Shop; shop in the Plant Centre and Garden Shop, Gift Barn, Gallery, or explore the Rural Life Museum, Orange Tree House, Saxon Church, and Orchards.

Refreshments are at your own expense.

Mobility Scooter can access all areas except by the River, most paths are compacted gravel.