15-03-2025
Hi fellow Gardens Group members
Hope that this nice mild weather has got you out to see some spring bulbs in bloom. So many great displays that really gladden the heart. I have also got a copy of the local National Garden Scheme (NGS) booklet to see what delights are on offer nearby during 2025. They are often found in local libraries and garden centres and worth perusing. Some wonderful horticultural gems, many of which are only open occasionally. Often delicious home-made cake is involved – which of course has to be bought as it also helps raise money for very worthwhile charities!
We’ve had a few lovely visits recently – the snowdrops at Lord Heseltine’s Estate in Oxfordshire were stunning and the guided tour of the Winter Garden at the Hillier Garden in Hampshire was also a big hit. A big thank you to those who organised these visits which brought much pleasure.
April has a number of exciting visits. First is a return to a chalet garden in Cardiff owned by one of our members, then it is down to Dorset to see the famous Abbotsbury sub-Tropical Garden. Then on the weekend of 12th/13th of April, there is a Berkshire double bill with Cliveden and Basildon Park on the menu. These last two events are part of a weekend away based in Reading and jointly run by the Berkshire Mid Thames (BMT) and Oxford Groups. April ends with a return visit to Westonbirt Arboreteum, where we will again be hosted by their community engagement team. We received a very warm welcome their last Autumn and I am sure another interesting day is in the offing on this visit. The Old Arboretum should be a riot of colour with Magnolias, Rhododendrons, Azaleas, hawthorns, bluebells and horse chestnuts in bloom.
Looking further forward, plans are well underway for a number of Garden visits during the Annual Outdoor Gathering. All to be confirmed but currently likely to be Holker Hall & Gardens, Levens Hall & Gardens, Holehird Gardens and possibly Brantwood.
One of our Garden Group members, Jan, would like to share/swap cuttings/seeds. He has a large collection of succulents. If you are interest, please e-mail him at:
Another member, based in Coventry, has asked me to post this: Calling all professional landscapers. I’m looking for a reliable landscaper to lay a path and raised patio, and tidy up my front and rear gardens at a property in Allesley, Coventry CV5.There’s off-street parking, space for a skip, and easy access to both gardens. Some clearing/levelling with a micro-digger required. If interested in quoting please contact Andrew at [email protected]
Now a plea for help! We need people to organise visits to ensure the group continues to thrive. It is a great way to meet fellow plant/garden enthusiasts that share our passion. It most rewarding to bring people together and enjoy each other’s company whilst admiring a fine garden. Do you have a favourite garden that you can show people around? Even if only one or two people sign up, it is still worth doing as it makes connections that can lead to lasting friendships.
You may already know somewhere? If not and you are are stuck for ideas, National Trust, English Heritage, Historic Houses Association and National Garden Scheme websites are all good sources of inspiration.
If needed, we can support you every step of the way to make your event happen, whether that is giving advice on using the website, help with promoting it or any other issues. If you would like to chat about a potential trip, without committing yourself, please feel free to e-mail me.
I look forward to meeting you at an event soon.
Best wishes
Neil
Gardens Group Co-Ordinator.
