Outings 2020
All our 2020 Outings were cancelled due to COVID-19 virus.
I hope this year we have booked a variety of outings that will inspire and you will enjoy in 2020.
Firstly, a May outing to provide a look at some early colour. Alpines are always at their best at this time of year and Fir Croft is a great introduction. Then a lovely private garden to relax in with a picnic and refreshments and finally the famous Lea gardens with stunning drifts of azaleas and rhododendrons (well that is how Carol Klein might describe them!).
We have had many requests to visit Wollerton Old Hall and anyone who has not visited this wonderful garden is in for a treat. There will be plants for sale and even more at our lunchtime stop at Bridgemere Garden Centre and then tea and cake in a private garden with lots of interest.
The icing on the cake will be our final visit in July to the famous Waterperry Gardens which have inspired gardeners for generations. This includes an introductory walk and talk and the rest of your time is free to explore, learn and just enjoy.
SATURDAY 16th MAY - DERBYSHIRE
Fir Croft - Calver, Hope Valley
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
The Paddock - Whittington Moor, Chesterfield
A half acre private garden incorporating a small formal garden, stream, and koi-filled pond. Stone path over a bridge, up some steps past a small copse and back down again, passing herbaceous borders towards a pergola.
Sausage Rolls and Cream teas included in the cost. There may be plants for sale.
Lea Gardens - Lea, Matlock
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
WEDNESDAY 10th JUNE - SHROPSHIRE/CHESHIRE/STAFFORDSHIRE
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.
Bridgemere Garden Centre - Nantwich, Cheshire
https://www.bluediamond.gg/garden-centre/bridgemere-garden-centre
We spend lunchtime at Bridgemere which is now under the ownership of the Blue Diamond Group. There will be plenty of choice browsing the large plant section and shops. Refreshments are at your own expense in one of the cafes. Those taking their own food can consume it in the gardens.
Karibou Garden, Uttoxeter
A tranquil and intriguing garden. Unique landscaping and design features include a Giant Insect Hotel; Bell Tower; Folly; Dovecote; Boardwalk; Stumpery; Archways; Natural Stream; Bridges and Waterfall, Various collections of Plants and Artifacts including 400 cacti, succulents, sempervivum and jovibarba plus 250-year-old gardening and farming hand tools. Tea/coffee and homemade cakes included.
The Garden is on two levels with steps, not suitable for wheelchairs or scooters.
THURSDAY 30th JULY - OXFORDSHIRE
Waterperry Gardens near Wheatley, Oxford
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.
