Category: Outing Reports

An outing in July 2019, literally, took us to pastures new – Tapeley Park, near Instow, North Devon. The Christie family has owned the Tapeley Park for almost 300 years. It overlooks the Torridge estuary with wonderful views across to Lundy Island and Saunton Sands. It looks out on to terraced gardens in a wide variety of styles and plantings as well as an ice house, a shell house and a permaculture garden developed by Hector Christie demonstrating principles of[…]

The grey rainy day could not dampen spirits as members arrived at Mottisfont in Hampshire for our June outing . Ancient yews and cedars graced the grounds on the walk to the walled gardens, glorious with Old Roses in full bloom. Heavenly scents emanated from flowers in red,pink,creams and white. Above were clematis clinging to the walls and while peonies, foxgloves, viola, alliums and geraniums added to the palette. 

The May 2019 outing took us to the Taunton area.  Firstly,we visited Elworthy Cottage Nurseries which proved a delight of naturalistic planting with flower filled borders amid lovely mature trees.  Later,at Hestercombe, members wandered the restored Edwardian gardens designed by Gertrude Jekyll and Edwin Lutyens where irises were particularly lovely.  A relaxing stroll beside the lakes was a must to see the waterfall cascading over mosses,beneath ferns and lovely old trees.

Our timing was spot on for the club visit to Exbury Gardens where we found the rhododendrons and azaleas at their utmost best. As we wandered around the extensive grounds every twist and turn revealed yet another breath-taking vista. The glorious palette of mauves, purples, rich reds to softest pinks, and warmest apricot to clear bright yellows and sparkling white.

in April 2018 Sunshine broke through rainy skies for our first outing of the year. The immaculate grounds at the Yeo Valley Organic Gardens incorporated woodland, meadows, fruit and flowers. Unique wrought iron arches and sculptures added interest. Tulips of every type made welcome splashes of vibrant colour among the spring greens.