Outings 2018
We hope you will enjoy the choices made for this years Outings. Two venues are return visits, one a favourite and the other is holding a Plant Fair. There should be plenty of opportunity to purchase some choice plants.We will be travelling with Hammonds Coaches again, the company we trialled in 2017. Please take time to read through the Outings Guidelines information before completing bookings slips.
THURSDAY 28th JUNE - WORCESTERSHIRE
Meadow Farm Nursery, Feckenham
In the morning we make a return visit to Meadow Farm Nursery, Feckenham, home of Diane and Rob Cole; now retired from the Plant Fair circuit they are devoting time to the Nursery and extending their garden, changes have been made since our last visit. No doubt there will be plenty of delicious cakes available, if we can tear ourselves away from the many very reasonably priced plants to choose from.
www.meadowfarm33.co.uk (3 photos taken by The Coles)
We then visit
Hillers Farm Shop, Alcester, Warwickshire.
Enjoy lunch at the Cafe, (at your own expense), please note, refreshments will not be available at the afternoon venue. Meander around the Gift Shop, visit the beautiful 2 acre gardens with over 150 varieties of roses growing amongst perennials. The garden is a source of inspiration and ideas on planting solutions. A wide range of plants are available to purchase in the Plant Centre. www.hillers.co.uk (photos from their website)
In the afternoon we visit
Morton Hall Gardens, Holberrow Green, Redditch.
One of Worcestershire’s best kept secrets and very special. Perched atop an escarpment with breathtaking views, hidden behind a tall hedge lies a unique garden of outstanding beauty, designed as a journey through garden rooms. A garden for all seasons, it features sumptuous herbaceous summer borders, a striking potager; a majestic woodland rockery and Japanese Stroll Garden with tea house.
On arrival we will be welcomed by the owner and given a short introduction to the history and design. Members of the garden team will be on hand to answer any questions. (Photos courtesy of Clive Nichols)
SATURDAY 28th JULY - STAFFORDSHIRE/DERBYSHIRE
Our first visit of the day will be the
National Memorial Arboretum, (NMA) Alrewas, Staffordshire.
The National Arboretum is a very atmospheric place with over 350 very varied memorials. New memorials have been dedicated since our previous visit. I personally found the ‘Shot at Dawn’ memorial very moving. You may wish to take a Train ride with commentary if missed last time. (1 hour in length and charge applies.) Since we visited in 2014, a large indoor Remembrance Exhibition Centre with a new Gift Shop, Restaurant and separate Coffee Shop has opened. On the day the well established Plant Hunters Fair (free entry) will be attracting many of you. Open from 10am to 4pm, at least 18 Nurseries, several of which are RHS Medallists will be present.
Tea, Coffee and biscuits are included when we arrive. Own food can be consumed at picnic tables outside. Entry to all the site is free including the Plant Fair but a donation to the NMA is suggested and can be placed in the receptacle in the entrance area. www.planthunterfairs.co.uk
Woodend Cottage, Repton, Derbyshire
For the afternoon we visit Wendy and Stephen Longden’s garden Woodend Cottage, Repton, Derbyshire. A Plant lover’s garden with glorious views on a sloping 2 ½ acre site developed organically for year-round interest. On lower levels herbaceous borders are arranged informally and connected via lawns, thyme bed, pond and pergolas. Mixed woodland and a grassed labyrinth lead naturally into fruit, vegetable and herb potager with meadows beyond. Especially colourful in July and August. Easy and unusual perennials and grasses for sale. Tea and cake will be provided. (Photos courtesy of NGS)
THURSDAY 16th AUGUST - YORKSHIRE
Boundary Cottage - Seaton Ross
In the morning we travel to the village of Seaton Ross to visit Boundary Cottage. Lecturer and creator of Bolton Percy churchyard garden, Roger Brook’s own no-dig garden contains over 1500 different plant varieties, many rare, provide colour all year round. The acre garden has numerous and varied intimate features, visually connected in sweeping views. Horticulturally unorthodox especially the fruit and vegetables, the overall effect is dramatic. The garden holds the National Collection of Dicentra. In 1996 Roger was one of our speakers, his subject ‘My Little Acre’. The review reported it entertaining, witty and inspiring. (Photos (right) from Roger’s blog)
Tea/coffee and home made biscuits will be served in the conservatory.www.nodiggardener.co.uk
Langlands Garden Centre - Shiptonthorpe
For a lunch stopover we take a short drive to Langlands Garden Centre at Shiptonthorpe. Voted Best Garden Centre in the North East in 2015. The Cafe Bar has a good selection of choices for lunch or for a snack there is a separate coffee shop. (own expense) There is also an extensive shop and plant centre to explore. www.langlandsgardencentre.co.uk
Ellerker House - Everingham
Our afternoon destination is a short drive to the village of Everingham and Ellerker House (not to be confused with Ellicar House another NGS Garden in Nottinghamshire). Ellerker House Gardens cover 5 acres on sandy soil.
Many unusual mature trees feature in the parkland setting, with formal lawns, woodland walkway and stumpery around the lake. Traditional oak and thatched breeze hut. Several seating areas around the garden.
Also a rose archway and colour themed herbaceous borders planted with many unusual plants for all year round colour.
Teas and cake again is included.
We spoil you.
(photos by Roz Los)
