On July 21st 32 members boarded the coach for our first garden visit for nearly two years. It was a glorious sunny day and we were delighted to be greeted by Sam our favourite driver.
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Our first destination was the R.H.S. Garden at Hyde Hall. This place began its life as a working farm. It was bequeathed to the R.H.S. in 1993 and since then it has developed into a year round garden with many seasonal highlights.

The Global Growth garden situated on a hill with panoramic views is a vegetable garden. The main feature is the greenhouse which is surrounded with raised beds, growing produce from all over the world notably loofahs and amazing tomatoes, peppers and chillies. Everything here was thriving and there wasn't a weed in sight.
Hyde Hall has always been famous for its dry garden because of its situation in the eastern part of the country. It had a selection of magnificent grasses interspersed with verbena bonariensis and other drought resistant plants. Other highlights were the Australia and New Zealand garden and the Robinson garden, a sunken dell.

Therewas a hidden gem which was described on the garden map as annual bedding. This seasonal floral fantasy garden planted by Peter Seabrook was a riot of colour using familiar bedding plants and more unusual annuals.

The Hilltop garden had a very English feel to it with lush green lawns, roses, ponds and colourful herbaceous borders.
All too soon it was time to move on to Feeringbury Manor, the home of Giles and Sonia Coode-Adams. The original Manor dated from the Fifteenth Century. Giles had worked at Kew Gardens for many years and now they open the garden for the National Garden Scheme.

​There were lovely herbaceous borders, wooded walkways down to a small river and intriguing sculptures. After delicious tea and cake it was time to climb aboard our coach for a very smooth ride back to Radlett. It was a great day out! 
RHS Hyde Hall, Chelmsford, Essex
https://www.rhs.org.uk/gardens/hyde-hall
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ BISSETT and PETER HORDERN
Feeringbury Manor (private garden) Feering, Essex
PHOTOGRAPHY BY LIZ BISSETT and PETER HORDERN
1. Leonardslee Lakes and Gardens
Lower Beeding, West Sussex
​Thursday, May 20th 2021

After nearly a 10 year closure and a two year restoration programme this is the ‘Finest Grade 1 woodland garden in England’ . First planted in 1801, it was re-opened in 2018. With outstanding displays of rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias. 

It also features a rare colony of wallabies, the famous Dolls House Museum, a gift shop, plant sales and tea rooms.


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2.  RHS Hyde Hall
Chelmsford, Essex
Wednesday, 21st July 2021
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Hyde Hall has a beautiful hilltop garden with herbaceous borders, a rose, vegetable and Mediterranean dry garden.
Make time to visit the excellent plant centre, gift shop and cafe or restaurant.

On to Feeringbury Manor (private garden)
Feering, Essex

10 acre garden with two ponds and river Blackwater. Arboretum. Lots of different and colourful plants.The owner was former president of the RHS. Tea and cakes included.
CANCELLED
​3.  Possible visit to 
Open Garden Weekend
Walsham le Willows,
​Suffolk, 29th August 2021, Bank Holiday Sunday.
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Lots of Gardens, Allotments, Medieval Church, Music, Stalls, Lunches and Teas.
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Further details are available from
Gesine Latimer on 01923 856970
(Cancellations may be liable to a charge)