Norma's Nostalgic Northumbria Tour July 2011

Gardening Groups Holiday to Northumbria

Northumbria is an area of magnificent scenery and is famous for its castles and broad golden beaches. Many stretches of the sweeping coastline are designated areas of natural beauty and are dotted with pretty fishing villages, such as Craster, famous for its Oak-smoked kippers and Bamburgh, famed for its rocky fortress. Testimony to the region's turbulent past are the many magnificent castles such as Alnwick, Durham and Lindisfarne

On Monday the 4th July 2011 49 people boarded the Edward’s Coach and set off for their journey to Northumberland on the latest Gardening Group holiday.  With everyone accounted for, the coach left Caldicot at 8:00am for a long journey, but all passengers full of anticipation. 

Harrogate

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Harrogate is a spa town in North Yorkshire, England. The town is a tourist destination and its visitor attractions include its spa waters, RHS Harlow Carr gardens, and Betty's Tea Rooms. From the town one can explore the nearby Yorkshire Dales national park. Harrogate originated in the 17th century, with High Harrogate and Low Harrogate as two separate settlements. It lies adjacent to Knaresborough, with which it forms a single urban area, and is in the Nidd valley.

First stop was at Streatham Services where some partook of breakfast and others just stretched their legs. Second stop was Harrogate where a two hour stop allowed for lunch and a walk around the town before the last leg of the journey to Newcastle.   

On arrival at our Hotel the usual inspection of rooms was carried out before getting ready for a satisfying three course dinner.  

Tuesday the 5th July – Our second day turned out to be a beautiful day with the sun shining kindly on us all.  Our day was spent at Alnwick Gardens and Castle. 

Alnwick Castle Gardens

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

website link: www.alnwickcastle.com

Our arrival coincided with the central piece of the gardens namely The Grand Cascade, coming to life with numerous fountains from the top to the bottom running.  Quite spectacular.  As we were left to wander through these beautiful gardens at our own pace, some visited the Poison plants section where a guide talked you through the various poisonous plants, which surprised some as it seems many have some of these plants in their gardens. 

The Rose gardens were really wonderful with so many different colours and the smell……well,   who can describe what hundreds of roses smell like? There was plenty more to see and it was hard to believe that only ten years ago these gardens were derelict and it is only due to the Duchess who imagined creating beautiful gardens for the public to enjoy that we were able to appreciate what had been achieved. 

After exhausting ourselves many stopped for lunch before spending the afternoon wandering through the Castle and it’s grounds.  Alnwick Castle is the second largest Castle in  England and during the winter months is occupied by the Duke and Duchess of Northumberland.

Whilst it is opened to the public in the Summer, they reside in another Castle not too far away.  This Castle was actually used during the making of Harry Potter. Everyone visited the Treehouse and walked the wibbly wobbly bridge. Once over there was only one way back across another wibbly wobbly bridge.  At 4o’clock we boarded the coach to return back to the Hotel for a quick shower before dinner.

Wednesday 6th July – Day three we were joined by Blue Badge Tour Guide, Tom Keating who was able to give us a part tour of Newcastle before taking us to two lovely villages Ford and Etal, where we made a short stop to visit the Lady Waterford Museum. 

Lady Waterford Hall

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Lady Waterford Hall was commissioned in 1860 by Louisa Anne, Marchioness of Waterford, and owner of Ford Estate. The building served as a school until 1957 and in its heyday had as many as 134 local children on the register. Now used as the Village Hall (available to hire for private functions) it is much more besides and really is a ‘must see’ on a visit to North Northumberland.

website link: www.ford-and-etal.co.uk

From here we travelled to Holy Island, luckily Tom knew the tide times to avoid us being caught on the causeway. A visit to Lindisfarne  where some of us were able to sample the Lindisfarne Mead. Unfortunately the weather turned against us so a visit to the nearest public house was called for.

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

The Holy Island of Lindisfarne In 635AD St. Aidan came from Iona and chose to found his monastery on Lindisfarne. The Christian message flourished here and spread throughout the world. However Holy Island is not only a centre of pilgrimage. Its tranquility, spirituality and scenic beauty attracts a multitude of visitors to its shores every year. Undoubtedly, it is the jewel in the crown of Northumbria.

website link: www.lindisfarne.org.uk

Many walked to the Castle ruins on the Island before returning to the coach when our tour guide took us along the coast to Bamburgh Castle. 

Bamburgh Castle

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

website link: www.bamburghcastle.com

The weather had taken a turn for the good until our last stop at Seahouses, a coastal town very much altered over the years and obviously is now a holiday place with plenty of fish and chip places, gift shops  etc. As the rain decided to come down with a vengeance we all returned to the coach for or homeward journey back to the Hotel to recharge our batteries ready for day 4.

Thursday 7th July – Again we were graced with the presence of our excellent tour guide, Tom Keating who took us out through a different route and around another part of Newcastle. This town took many of us by surprise with so many wonderful buildings and before we came away a group photograph was taken on the Millennium Bridge, designed by Norman Foster the well known architect.  

Newcastle

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Newcastle Gateshead United by seven bridges across a spectacular riverscape, Newcastle (a city on the north bank of the River Tyne) and Gateshead (a town on the south bank) form a single, diverse and extremely vibrant visitor destination.

With so many different areas each offering new sights, sounds and experiences, you’ll be amazed at how much is on offer whatever your tastes. World-class culture, vibrant nightlife, award-winning dining, inspiring heritage, fantastic shopping and acclaimed architecture are linked here, as nowhere else, by the famous Geordie spirit which flows throughout NewcastleGateshead and is symbolised by Antony Gormley’s iconic Angel of the North as it welcomes travellers to the area.

With fantastic shopping provided by Eldon Square, one of the UK’s largest city centre shopping complexes, and Gateshead’s Metrocentre offering visitors heaps of choice as Europe’s largest indoor shopping and leisure complex, you might have trouble deciding where to start! Even the most individual shopper will find something to suit them in boutique-lined Market Street, High Bridge and Hood Streets or the fashion-conscious suburb of Jesmond which, only a short walk from the city centre or an even shorter Metro ride, is awash with bars, restaurants and hotels to re-fuel when you shop ‘till you drop!

The Quayside is a spectacular area day and night with the iconic Gateshead Millennium Bridge, the world’s first and only tilting bridge, linking Newcastle and Gateshead for pedestrians and cyclists. BALTIC Centre for Contemporary Art is an art-lover’s dream, whilst Newcastle’s array of riverside bars, pubs, clubs and restaurants, paired with The Sage Gateshead’s diverse programme of musical events, ensure you’ll be well catered for through daylight to nightlife

website link: www.newcastlegateshead.com

Forward onto pastures new Tom took us through many villages such as Alnmouth,  Hipsburn and so on until a short comfort stop was made in the very aptly named Peas Garden!  We travelled through the fishing village of Boomer where the clinkerbirst boats are known and this is where the heroine Grace Darling rowed out with her father in one of these boats to save 9 people from a shipwreck caused through a dreadful storm.  

Craster

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Craster is famous as the home of the Craster Kipper, a smoked fish exported to food lovers across the country and popular with The British Royal Family. But there's more to the village than its famous delicacy, prepared the traditional way in oak smoked barrels

website link: www.visitnorthumberland.com/site/craster

Our next stop was Craster where they smoke the herrings when some took advantage of sending some of these delicious delights home to our loved ones. (I understand they smelt them before opening their envelopes!). Once again the rain forced people into the nearest public house the Jolly Fisherman, where lunch was being served. Crab sandwiches and a bowl of chips cooked in beef dripping was the order for some. (Not good for the cholesterol)!

Howick Hall Gardens

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

website link: www.howickhallgardens.org

Once on board the coach we then visited Howick Gardens and Arboretum which was once the residence of Earl Grey (yes him of the tea). Many walked around the gardens and Chapel, the Bog Garden was delightful but once again the rain stopped play and most retired to the Earl Grey tea house for a much earned cup of tea and toasted teacake.

Window seats were rewarded with a great view of many birds feeding on the bird tables but the most rewarding sight was of a red squirrel helping himself to the bird food.  The most photographed red squirrel that day. Apparently they have numerous red squirrels on this estate. On our return journey back to the Hotel.

Tom took  us through other parts of Newcastle, mostly new buildings built around the University. He explained that most of the older houses have been refurbished in order to accommodate the 50,000 students presently attending the University.  

Friday 8th July – Sadly our last breakfast before setting off for home. Everyone agreed that once again Norma and Jen had organised a terrific holiday with plenty to see.  Just one more group photograph had to be taken and this was on the feet on the Angel of the North, which our Coach Driver Mark had taken us to see.

The Angel of the North

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

The Angel of the North The 208-tonne “Angel” basically takes the form of a human figure based on artist Antony Gormley's own body. At 20 metres high, the Angel is higher than a five-storey building. Its wings are 54 metres wide - almost the same as a jumbo jet.

Overlooking the A1 at Gateshead, at least 90,000 motorists a day will pass by the sculpture. Rail passengers travelling on the East Coast mainline from London to Edinburgh will also see the angel as they approach Newcastle.

The sculpture has been created by the artist as his own response to the site, which had already been chosen as the location for a ‘landmark’ work of public art. It is a stark, otherwise unremarkable, skyline site visible from a distance. The artist has described how he felt this called for a feature which would link between earth and sky.

website link: www.angelofthenorth.org.uk

The journey home seemed quicker than going but we had a lunch stop in Webbs Garden Centre before making our way back to Caldicot. All was well until we reached Chepstow roundabout when an alarm was set off on the coach because the water had leaked out.

We made it to Portskewett to the first drop off and that is where the coach stayed until later that evening. Luckily everyone was local and was able to phone friends or relatives to come and pick them up.

To summarise, good coach, comfortable journey , good hotel, good food, great excursions, lots of laughs. On everyone’s behalf I take this opportunity of thanking Norma and Jen for a great holiday and  know we are all looking forward to the next one where-ever it may be.

Pam Caines

 

9th June 2011: Visit to Cadbury Garden World and Kilver Court Gardens

*please click the images below to access a photo slideshows of our visit

Cadbury Garden World

Photographers:- Rosemary Brown, Glenice & Adrian Dallow, Ron Lapthorn, Rosa Morgan.

On a sunny morning in June a coachful of enthusiastic gardener set off for Cadbury Garden Centre. Having enjoyed the scenic ride we arrived in time for coffee. The display garden were at their best and some of us members could not resist a purchase or two. After lunch we left for Kilver Court Gardens in Shepton Mallet.

The South West's premier garden centre is no ordinary store you'll find all that is best for your garden and home with brilliant displays of plants and an inspiring range of quality products. Cadbury Garden & Leisure is a day out in itself.

Kilver Court Gardens

Photographers:- Rosemary Brown, Glenice & Adrian Dallow, Ron Lapthorn, Rosa Morgan.

Kilver Court - designer bargains, secret gardens, great food

Shepton Mallet grew, clustered around mills along the river Sheppey. The ponds and weirs were used to power the mills at Kilver Court are still in use today as part of the landscaped gardens. Mr Ernest Jardine MP of East Somerset first created Jardine’s Park and Vegetable Garden in the 1800’s using the millponds as a boating lake and the surrounds for workers’ recreation.

In the 1960’s they were restored and developed by the Showering family of the Babycham fame, who commissioned George Whitelegg to recreate his Gold Medal winning Chelsea Flower Show rockery garden within the grounds using rocks from the Forest of Dean.

In 1996 Roger Saul founder of designer label Mulberry, took over the breath taking historical Gardens and developed them into what they are today with rolling lawns, parterre and herbaceous borders but the must staggering feature of the garden is the backdrop – a vast Grade 11 listed viaduct, built for the Somerset and Dorset railway in the 1800’s and which now acts as a link to the rolling Somerset countryside beyond.

Having had a wonderful tour of Kilver Court Gardens we were treated to a lovely cream tea, before embarking the bus for our journey home.

Many thanks go to Norma and Jenny for organising a great day out.

A fresh, new experience, Kilver Court mixes a fabulous discount designer shopping emporium with amazing secret gardens, excellent food from the Sharpham Park Farm Shop and pop-up restaurants, a plant nursery, wellness centre and an ever-changing calendar of events. A wonderful place for weddings, conferences and functions as well as days out and shopping.

Created by Mulberry founder Roger Saul, The Kilver Court Emporium is open seven days a week (Mon-Sat 9am-5pm, Sun 10am-4pm). It offers an ever-changing, exciting mix of discount designer labels. The Emporium is filled with gorgeous fashion and home furnishings. Ranges include menswear, womenswear, fashion accessories and lingerie as well as new and upcycled furniture and vintage decor.

Kilver Court provides a refreshing change for those seeking quality designer items and fantastic bargains all presented in an environmentally aware setting. Restoration, regeneration and renewal are the driving forces behind Roger Saul’s vision for making Kilver Court the best designer shopping destination in the UK. In recent years, Roger and his team of craftspeople have transformed a range of historic industrial buildings with great care and expertise.

website link: www.kilvercourt.com

14th May 2011: Visit to Malvern Spring Show

We left Mill Lane for the Show on time despite the coach driver having some difficulty with the gears!
This Show started life as a small regional flower show in 1986 and now attracts around 90,000 gardening enthusiasts from all over the country and is the first Royal Horticultural Society flower show of the year.

This is a spectacular venue because it is set against the backdrop of the beautiful Malvern Hills and has a reputation for pioneering and showcasing new garden design talent. Everyone was wondering how the unseasonably hot weather would affect the type and range of displays, however we were not disappointed as there was a fantastic  range of plants on display in peak condition.

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photographers:- Glenice & Adrian Dallow,  Ron Lapthorn

When we arrived on site it was clear that the show was going to be very busy as the weather was dry and sunny and the car and coach parks were filling up before our eyes. The “must have” accessory was a coloured box on wheels which contained not only plants bought at the show but also bags, coats, food, children and anything else that is normally carried around these events.

There were also a huge number of trade stands and sundries to shop from, some offering free samples of various foods such as cheese and biscuits, cider, etc. The Malvern Spring Gardening Show offered innovative, inspirational and creative ideas including 30 show gardens and a Floral Marquee with displays from over 100 nurseries. In the Garden Harmony Theatre (new this year) Mike Dilger from the One Show gave a talk following a nature trail walk to the lake.

In the “Time for Olive Trees Garden” the feature showed the various stages of an olive tree's life from planting to maturity and how, at the end of the olive grove’s life, the trees can be removed and transplanted into containers for us all to enjoy for another century or two! The “Eco Home & Garden Area” even had it’s own solar-powered cinema! The Bonsai stand was a real treat, with several specimens in full flower especially the  wisteria and rhododendron. The Floral Marquee hosed the most exquisite floral displays.

One of the most spectacular displays was the  curious world of  carnivorous plants  which trap and devour their victims. In the Floral Art display the theme was “diversity”, where roses were dyed the most vibrant colours of the spectrum and the “cakes” with floral decorations were far too good to eat.

We left at 5pm after an enjoyable but tiring day out.  It started to rain when re-entering Wales over the Severn Bridge but it soon petered out.

Yet another excellent trip well organised  by Norma and her dedicated band of helpers.

The Malvern Spring Gardening Show is the perfect place to start your gardening year. Whether you are an avid gardener, or simply enjoy the wildlife at home our varied show programme will guarentee to please. The 2011 event was a great success and visitors enjoyed four days of exquisite gardening features and show entertainment.

Website link: www.threecounties.co.uk/springgardening

14th April 2011: Visit to Kew Palace & The Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

We mounted the coach at Mill Lane and as we had our very own trolley dollies, Alma and Olive, supplying us with tea and coffee, we travelled non-stop to London.  It seemed no time at all before we were being deposited outside Kew Gardens.

We collected our tickets and set out to explore the gardens. Some of our group chose to use the explorer bus which took them on a tour of the garden stopping at points of interest. Others chose to walk.

photo: Temperate House, Royal Botanic Gardens Kew

Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew throughout its history, the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew has made important contributions to increasing the understanding of the plant kingdom with many benefits for mankind.

Today it is still first and foremost a scientific institution. With its collections of living and preserved plants, of plant products and botanical information, it forms an encyclopaedia of knowledge about the plant kingdom.

Explore glasshouses, landscapes and 250 years of history at the world's most famous garden. Climb to the treetops, delve into rainforest or discover more on a guided tour.

Website link: www.kew.org/visit-kew-garden

Kew Palace:

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photographers:- Rosemary Brown, Glenice & Adrian Dallow, Jenny King, Ron Lapthorn, Rosa Morgan, Noreen Reynolds.

First stop was Kew Palace which was occupied by George the 3rd and his family. We were amazed to learn that he had 15 children and only one (legitimate) grand child. He was dogged by a devastating mental illness (possibly porphyria). The downstairs rooms, recreated in Georgian style, are impressive and the top floor has been untouched for centuries.

After lunch we headed for Evolution House which shows how rocks and plants evolved throughout time.

Nearby was the world’s largest surviving Victorian glass structure The Temperate House containing plants and trees from the world’s temperate zones - including the world’s largest plant - the Chilean Wine Plant.

It was lovely to relax for a while beside Main Lake and Sackler Crossing. Here we watched the birds building nests in the middle of the lake and enjoyed the sunshine.

Our final visit was to the Princess of Wales Conservatory with its display of tropical plants from 10 different environments in the tropics from deserts to rain forests.

Time to return to the Main Entrance and board the coach to return to Caldicot.

Many thanks to Norma and Jenny for once again organising such a wonderful day out
which we all thoroughly enjoyed

Avril  and Fran

This short history of Kew Palace covers the modest beginnings of Kew when it was home for a rich merchant in love, through the arrival of the Georgian family and the ‘madness' of King George III.

Historic Royal Palaces is also responsible for Queen Charlotte’s Cottage, built in 1771 for the Queen as a picnic retreat in a quiet part of Kew Gardens.

website link: www.hrp.org.uk/KewPalace

 

 

GARDENING GROUP VISIT TO FORDE ABBEY AND GARDENS – 12th AUGUST 2010

THE COACH LEFT MILL LANE AT 9:00 PROMPT WITH 48 REGULAR GARDENERS ON BOARD.THE WEATHER WAS KIND TO US DRY AND A LITTLE COLD .WE DULY ARRIVED AT CHARD AND FORDE ABBEY WITHOUT INCIDENT. EVERYBODY PILED OFF THE COACH AND GUESS WHAT HEADED STRAIGHT FOR THE RESTAURANT FOR TEA AND CAKES.DULY REFRESHED THE GRAND TOUR BEGAN OF THE HOUSE AND GARDENS

THE GRAND HOUSE WAS ORIGINALLY A CISTERCIAN MONASTERY BUILT AT THORNCOMBE ON THE RIVER AXE.THE HOUSE WENT THROUGH A NUMBER OF OWNERS FROM EDMUND PRIDEAUX AND A MERCHANT BANKER CALLED MILES TO MRS EVANS, AND IN 1943 TO ELIZABETH ROPER THE HOUSE NOW BEING OCCUPIED BY ALICE AND JULIAN KENNARD. LISA RPOER RUNS A HERD OF 200 RUBY RED DEVON CATTLE ON THE ESTATE

THE GARDENS ARE AN ABSOLUTE DELIGHT STARTING WITH THE KITCHEN GARDEN THE GARDEN PRODUCES VEGETABLES, FRUIT, AND FLOWERS, FOR USE IN THE HOUSE.THE WALLS OF THE HOUSE ARE COVERED IN WISTERIAS. THE TOUR CONTINUED ALONG THE DRIVE AT THE SIDE OF THE LONG POND WITH ITS HERBACEOUS BORDER AND DISPLAYS OF DAHLIAS, ASTERS, DELPHINIUMS, ACONITUMS AND MANY OTHER GEMS.

ON TO THE MERMAIN POND AND THE BIG ATTRACTION OF THE DAY THE FOUNTAIN WERE WE ALL GATHERED TO WITNESS THE EVENT WATER SHOOTING INTO THE AIR TO A GREAT HEIGHT AND FALLING AS SPRAY ONTO THE WATCHING CROWD. THEN FOLLOWED A VISIT TO THE GREAT POND WERE THE FISH CAME TO THE SURFACE TO FEED AND THEN ON TO THE BOG GARDEN( A WONDERFUL DISPLAY OF WATER PLANTS)THE CAMERAS WERE IN FULL FLOW AT THIS POINT I HAD THE LADIES IN WATINGS CAMERAS TAKING PHOTOS OF THEM ON THE RED BRIDGE

DINNER WAS TAKEN IN THE CLOISTERS FROM A MENU THAT CONTAINED PHEASANT AND MANY OTHES DELIGHTS EVERYBODY ENJOYED THE FOOD WHICH WAS WELL COOKED AND SERVED QUICKLY.FOLLOWINGTHE GARDEN WALKS DURING THE AFTERNOON IT WAS TIME TO RETURN TO THE CLOISTERS FOR A FINAL ICE CREAM AND A VISIT TO THE PLANT SHOP WERE A NUMBER OF PURCHASES WERE MADE FOR PLANTING IN THE GARDENS OF CALDICOT

THEN BACK TO THE COACH FOR THE TRIP HOME BERYL SMOOTHERD IN GREENARY ANN A FEW HAVING A WELL DESERVED NAP TO ARRIVE IN CALDICOT AT 06:30 AFTER A LOVELY DAY OUT

OUR GRATEFUL THANKS TO NORMA FOR ORGANISING SUCH A DELIGHTFUL TRIP, FOR ALL YOUR HARD WORK THREE CHEERS

JOHN JUKES

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Forde Abbey is a treasure in an area already known for its outstanding beauty. More than 900 years of history and romance are encapsulated in this elegant former Cistercian monastery and its 30 acres of award winning gardens

The amazing variety found in this stately home makes it a wonderful place to spend a day for all ages and an ideal destination for group visits. It is also a stunning venue for weddings, receptions and private celebrations of all kinds.

However Forde Abbey is more than a museum piece. It is a family home and very much a living, working estate.

website link: www.fordeabbey.co.uk

 

Gardening Group Holiday to Kent July 2010

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

photos and they were taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow and Carol Elliot.

U3A Gardening Group visit to Kent

First of all thanks to Norma for the organization which had gone into preparing this trip, supported in this work by her husband. We just have to sit back an enjoy ourselves and the reason we can do that is because of all the work which has gone on beforehand.

This, the main outing of the group, was to Kent to visit some of the lovely gardens and houses in that area. We stayed in a clean, comfortable hotel on the sea-front at Hythe, where we were well fed and looked after.

We visited Sissinghurst Castle, Great Dixton, Chartwell, Penshurst Place and Biddenham Vinyards to learn how grapes and wine have replaced apples and cider. This vinyard outing not only included a lovely ploughman's lunch but also a journey on the Romney, Hythe and Dimchurch narrow-gauge railway. On our homeward journey made another visit to RHS Wisley.

The gardens visited covered a wide range of styles from the organized chaos of Great Dixton to the much more formal and geometrically laid out areas such as were on display at Penshurst Place. Each of these beautiful gardens challenged us with the dedication of the people responsible for their upkeep.

The flowers and grass in our gardens is just the same, so we are encouraged to achieve the same results. Looking round the houses also gives an insight into how the wealthy lived many years ago; but they didn't enjoy the comforts we have today.

RHS Wisley always has something new to show and they are preparing a new area to be called Elizabeth Bowes-Lyon Rose Garden. The beds and paths are almost complete, but the garden will not be ready until next year.

All in all this was a most enjoyable, informative, stimulating trip with good companions. Where are we off to next time Norma? I hope that we shall have a chance to visit Wisley again to see the rose garden in full bloom.

 Bernard G Hill

Visit to Heale House Garden 10th June 2010

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photographs were taken by Dorothy Witcomb, Pam Simpson, Glenice & Adrian Dallow & Ron Lapthorn.

A coach full of intrepid gardeners set off for Heale House gardens, near Salisbury in early June.  It was a grey day, but thankfully remained dry.  The gardens didn’t let us down; there was much to keep us interested.

The Tunnel Garden with the long pergola planted with laburnum, wisteria, roses and clematis was a real pleasure.

The sweet peas grown on single cordons looked very promising, but not yet blooming.

The garden in front of a rather spectacular looking house was closed but we did peep…..wonderful.

A short walk from the croquet lawn took us to the Boat Terrace and the fast flowing River Avon, some of us were lucky enough to see trout leaping, also at the rivers edge was a white clematis (Montana, I think) in full bloom, reaching to the top of a rather tall conifer.

Returning to the tea shop for a welcome cup of tea, (a good selection of homemade cakes and savouries were on offer) we enjoyed strolling through the old fashioned highly scented roses and lavender borders, also worth a mention was the Japanese garden and tea house.

Thank you Norma, for another great day out.  It was also good to see our official photographer, Ron snapping again.

 Delma

When visitors step into the garden at Heale House they are immediately transported into a magical and varied paradise of running streams and exuberant planting that they return to time and again to experience its many different moods throughout the seasons.

The timeless atmosphere at Heale is the result of the creative endeavors of many generations of the Rasch family, who still live in the house, each inspired to leave their mark on a place through which the sparkling tributaries of the river Avon flow. Trout filled streams crossing under the authentic Japanese tea house and below the red Nikko bridge meander through the woodland garden, a rich gardener's paradise.

From early spring when sheets of aconites and snowdrops carpet the ground, to late summer when the crescendo of unusual planting explodes, the garden is in a constant state of flux. In the vegetable garden decorative apple tunnels separate the beds that still supply the house.

Meadows of spring bulbs are home to a new collection of magnolias, and colour-themed borders add contemporary drama to a garden that seems lost in time and is a continual source of inspiration to its owners and the visitors it never fails to charm.

Heale House and its eight acres of beautiful gardens lie beside the river Avon at Middle Woodford, just north of Salisbury, Wiltshire.

Much of the house is unchanged since King Charles II hid here in 1651.

website link: www.healegarden.co.uk

 

Visit to Lydney Park 13th May 2010

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Lydney Park Estate is situated between Gloucester and Chepstow in the Forest Of Dean.

The original mansion house at Lydney Park was built by the Wintour Family who were prominent supporters of King Charles I. In 1719 Lydney Park Estate was acquired by Benjamin Bathurst and his descendants have owned it over since.

In 1876 the family demolished the original road-side mansion house, moving to a new house in the centre of the deer park.

In 1935 Captain Charles Bathurst was created Viscount Bledisloe for his services as Governor General of New Zealand and his grandson, Christopher Bathurst QC, is the third Viscount Bledisloe having succeeded his father in 1979.

website link: www.lydneyparkestate.co.uk

 

8th April 2010: Rob and Ann Taylor-Heard: Film of our Holiday to Chester

The film show produced by Rob and Ann Taylor-Heard of our last year's holiday to Chester and the Tatton Park Flower Show, provided us with many happy memories.  Even though we had some very heavy rain showers it did not spoil our enjoyment of the Show or the other beautiful Cheshire Gardens that we visited. 

We are now looking forward to this year's visit to the Gardens of Kent and another lovely film show next year, you have to watch out for Rob with his camera and others of course who may catch you bending!!!  Thanks Rob and Ann for such an enjoyable afternoon and for the bonus of seeing again the Gardens of Cornwall.

The June garden visit will be on Thursday 10th to Heale House Garden leaving Mill Lane at 9.30am.

Finally may I thank everyone for their support over the Autumn and Winter meetings in the Scout Hall, especially Iris for opening up and warming up the Hall and Marlene and the tea ladies for the refreshments.  Let us now hope for a glorious Summer and some enjoyable days out at the gardens we are visiting this year.

Norma Shreeve

The Cardif RHS Flower Show 16th April 2010

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photographs were taken by -  Norma Shreeve, Adrian and Glenice Dallow

A coachful of hopeful third age gardeners left mill lane at 10 am prompt for a day of floral excellence, our chirpy driver related some points of interest as we entered our proud Welsh Capital City.

We had a short pleasant walk ,brandishing our prebooked tickets to the queue of ordinary folk hoping to gain admission!!

On entering the no1 marquee, a blaze of colour hit us with a stunning display of horticultural art that reminded us of our allotment!!

Then back into the sunshine to see an amazing show of wheel barrow art created by schoolchildren from S. Wales, we were all invited to judge the winner, what a request, we thought they should all get a prize.

The illustriuos Roy Noble was entertained by our one and only Glenice Dallow
on the talents of the  Caldicot U3A and virtues of becoming a member when he is old enough.

A splendid day out ,once again many thanks to Norma.
Her dedication to the cause for all of us was much appreciated.

Bill & Jan Thomas

The RHS show season starts here so celebrate in style at this charming show which has a real spring festival feel.

Held in the magnificent Bute Park against the backdrop of Cardiff Castle, the show provides an inspirational display of vibrant gardening, floral delights and expert advice.

website link: www.rhs.org.uk/whatson/shows/cardiff

11th March 2010: Graham Nichols: Introduction to Alpines

Peaks and troughs, an introduction to Alpines, was the subject of a very interesting talk given by Graham Nichols to the Gardening Group at their March meeting.

Graham illustrated his talk with beautiful photographs taken on his visits to North America in search of Alpines.  These he explained grow above the tree level on poor soil but can be really beautiful and easy to grow and maintain in miniature gardens.  He showed us photos of the landscape, with some rare plants, and then of Alpine Society Shows and finally troughs and planters in his own garden.

After this Graham gave us a demonstration of planting up a small trough and finally we were able to purchase some of the Alpines he had for sale from his own Nursery near Bristol.  A thoroughly enjoyable and inspiring afternoon.

We are now into the season of garden visits and our May outing will be to Lydney Park Gardens on Thursday 13th May.  This will be a car sharing visit and we will meet at the Choir Hall Car Park and depart from there at 2.00pm.

Norma Shreeve

11th February 2010: Sheena Crossley: Planting Tubs and Pots

Anything goes it would seem when it comes to containers for plants in our gardens, from old boots to wheelbarrows or buckets.  Sheena Crossley gave the group a most informative and interesting talk on planting pots and containers when she visited us in February, with lots of tips to get the best displays all year round and some photos to give us ideas and inspiration.

Next month (April 8th) will be the film of our holiday to Chester by Rob and Ann and also our last meeting for this Season in the Scout Hall.  Our first trip will be on 16th April, which is a Friday and will be to tbe Cardiff Flower Show leaving Mill Lane at 10.00am

I look forward to seeing you all then.

Norma Shreeve

 

August 2009 Gardening Group visit to Westonbury Mill Gardens and
The Garden at the Bannut

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photograps were taken by:
Rosemary Brown, Jenny King and Dorothy Witcomb

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Caldicot & District U3A Gardening Group Holiday to Chester and
Tatton Flower Show July 2009

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit

Photograps were taken by:
Adrian and Glenice Dallow, Ann Taylor-Heard, Dorothy Witcomb, Jenny King,
Norma Shreeve & Pat Dawe

website link: www.chester360.co.uk/whats-on/rhs-flower-show

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June 2009 Gardening Group visit to Stourhead

*please click the image below to access a photo slideshow of our visit