Outings 2017
We hope we have organised three varied outings for 2017.
Please note that two of the outings are on a Sunday this year. We took a vote on the coach last year and there were no objections and it has meant we have been able to be more flexible.
There were problems with the coach last year and so we have booked Hammonds Coaches which has come highly recommended. The pick up at David Lloyd off Rugby Road will remain the same and we can park in their secure car-park.
There is no outing in either May or June this year to take account of the extra May meeting and HPS Anniversary celebrations in June when a number of members are opening their gardens and there is also RHS Chatsworth Flower Show. We did consider running a coach to the show but there wasn’t enough interest to make it economic.
Sunday 23rd April Cheshire
Arley Hall
Members who watch the Antiques Road Show will be aware that two programmes were broadcast from Arley Hall last year. I think the gardens have the best double herbaceous borders I have seen and hopefully there will be plenty to see at that time of year.
In addition to the gardens being open there is a Plant Fair with at least 20 stalls expected.
Photos from Arley Hall website
For those who do not want to bring their own lunch there is a very nice café. It is a longer journey than usual but there will be a stop and we aim to return to Nottingham around 6.30pm.
Sunday 23rd July Northants
Glendon Hall
The morning stop will be Glendon Hall. This is a Jacobean Manor House, which was divided into four homes in the 70s. One of the original owners Rosie Bose has developed the gardens and runs a nursery from home and exhibits at garden shows. There are mature specimen trees, herbaceous borders with unusual plants and a large walled kitchen garden. See more photos and info here. Refreshments are included.
Long Buckby Village Open Gardens
We will then spend the afternoon at Long Buckby Village open gardens which are open from 1pm. There will be about ten very varied gardens to explore, in easy walking distance. There are some additional gardens at Long Buckby Wharf which may not be feasible to include but we will discuss this with the organisers. Of course there will be teas and a plant stall.
Thursday 17th August Cambridgeshire
Swines Meadow Farm Nursery
Many members will remember the talk by Colin Ward from Swines Meadow Farm Nursery last year and the wonderful plants he brought with him. His nursery is one of the foremost growers of rare and exotic plants in the country. We are booked to visit in the morning and Colin will be giving us a guided tour. Even better, Colin’s wife Karan is going to provide us with lunch.
Elgoods Brewery Gardens.
In the afternoon we travel to Wisbech to visit Elgoods Brewery Gardens. This is a fascinating 4 acre garden on the banks of the River Nene with herbaceous borders, a Japanese garden, rare old specimen trees and even a maze. There is a café if people have room for more refreshments after Colin’s lunch.
