Diary Dates

Minterne gardens are a haven of tranquillity, landscaped in the manner of Capability Brown. The gardens boast a unique collection of rhododendrons and azaleas under planted with spring bulbs. There are many fine and rare spring flowering trees and a chain of small waterfalls and lakes. It looks as if we are visiting at just the right time! There is a cafe terrace serving coffees and delicious homemade cakes. Sherborne Castle and Gardens. We then go to visit Sherborne Castle in two groups, afterwards the gardens. The Castle was once owned by Sir Walter Raleigh, and its interior contains a wealth of interesting things. The well-informed guides give a real insight to its history.

The gardens are once again designed by our old friend Capability Brown, this was one of his first commissions giving us the magnificent, largely unaltered, English landscaped garden we see today. 

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We will have a shorter day visit to Mottisfont House and Garden. (NT). The house is fascinating, having been started 800 years ago, and has a medieval priory at its heart, but having undergone many transformations, especially in the ‘30’s. Maude Russell made it her home, bringing many artists here to create works and relax in the house and gardens. In the gardens we see why it was called ‘Mottisfont’! Also, we visit the famous walled rose gardens which have recently been renovated and are a wonder in themselves! There is an excellent National Trust Cafe there serving coffees and light lunches.

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Hestercombe was a medieval garden in 1249! It has undergone many changes since then, most notably at the beginning of the 20th century when Edward Lutyens was commissioned to design a formal garden with planting by Gertrude Jekyll, (the perfect pairing!) It has had its ups and downs since then, but in 2003 Hestercombe was transferred to Hestercombe Gardens Trust. In 2018 with a grant from Heritage Lottery Fund the garden was secured for future generations. It promises to be an exciting visit. We arrive there at 10:30 met with have coffee & cake (included). We can then wander around, ask questions, and have a light lunch at the Stables Restaurant. We leave at 1:30 and arrive at our next garden, the famous East Lambrook Manor at 2:15 where we will have a short introductory talk by the owner. The cottage garden was planted by the famous plantswoman Margery Fish between 1938 and her death in 1969 This garden is an iconic and quintessentially English one, combining old fashioned and contemporary plants in a relaxed and informal way to create a garden of immense beauty and charm. There is also an excellent hardy plant nursery. A delightful cafe with outside seating serves drinks and homemade cakes.

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We are delighted to confirm the arrangements for our Residential Excursion to the Gardens of Warwickshire, we will be staying at the Chesford Grange Hotel, Kenilworth, Warwick CV8 2LD. This hotel is situated just on the outskirts of Royal Leamington Spa.

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For our last garden of the season on 20th September we visit Old Court Nurseries and Picton Gardens. These family run Nurseries and Garden have held the national collection of Michaelmas daisies since 1906, so we are visiting at the right time! There is free entry for RHS members. We will stop in Ross-on-Wye enroute for lunch!

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