The Gardening Group meet in the Scout Hall
at the corner of
Jubilee Way & Sandy Lane, Caldicot.

Every 2nd Thursday Commencing 2.15pm to 3.30pm

Please click the links below to access our latest photo slideshows

Westonbury Mill Gardens and The Garden at the Bannut August 2009

Gardening Group Holiday to Chester and Tatton Flower Show July 2009

Gardening Group visit to Stourhead June 2009

Westonbirt,The National Arboretum May 2009

Snowdrops at Welford Park February 2009

Spetchley and Park Gardens in April 2008

Chelsea Flower Show in May 2008

RHS Gardens Wisley in May 2008

Hergest Croft Gardens in June 2008

Barrington Court in July 2008

Holiday to Brussels to carpet of Flowers staying in Bruges

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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

The 2 acre gardens at Westonbury Mill are laid out around a tangle of streams and ponds behind the Old Corn Mill. Planting includes a huge variety of moisture loving and bog plants with splendid primulas, irises, rushes and grasses.

Numerous bridges connect the different areas of the garden and you can walk through a forest of giant gunnera. There are unusual features including a castellated stone tower with gargoyles which spout water raised by an old iron water wheel.

Adjacent to the main garden a wild flower garden is being developed with walks besides the stream and mill leat.

website link: www.westonburymillwatergardens.com

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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

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June 2009 Gardening Group visit to Stourhead

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

Photograps were taken by
Glenice & Adrian Dallow, Norma Shreeve, Carol Elliott and Dorothy Witcomb.

• World-famous 18th-century landscape garden and Palladian mansion
• Enchanting temples, monuments and rare planting around a tranquil lake
• Palladian mansion filled with Georgian treasures, Chippendale furniture and fine paintings
• Woodland and chalk downland walks
• Spectacular views from the top of King Alfred's Tower, one of the finest follies in Britain
• Two Iron Age hill forts to explore
  
  website link: www.nationaltrust.org.uk

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May 2009 Visit to Westonbirt,The National Arboretum

The Gardening group visited Westonbirt in May 2009 and the photographs they took speak for themselves.

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

Photographs were taken by Dorothy Witcomb, Marillyn John, Rosemary Brown,
Glenice and Adrian Dallow, Westonbirt,The National Arboretum

Westonbirt was started around 1829 and many of the specimens now present date back to that time. The site covers an area of 600acres and includes areas of Ancient Semi Natural Woodland, specimen plants and open grassland. This woodland is an important area in itself as it represents one of the largest areas of woodland of its type in the locality. It is primarily Oak Standards with an understorey of Hazel coppice with some areas of high forest. Some of the work in these areas involves the restoration of this woodland type, which was clearfelled some 60 years ago.

Today Westonbirt is a Grade One listed landscape. The Holford family, who started the collection, planted in a picturesque style following the guidelines laid down by W.S.Gilpin. It is the landscape that the Holfords created that give us the grade one listing. The new maple plantings will, in time, create the world’s best collection of Maples and is in keeping with this tradition.

One of our many roles is to enthuse people about the importance of trees to our lives and this is one of the main aims of our learning programmes and events. These also help explain the importance of conservation and ensure visitors understand the threats and pressures that a lot of the world’s trees are under. This is also delivered through interpretation.

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February 2009 Visit to Snowdrops at Welford Park

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

photo: A Snowdrop display at Welford Park

Welford Park is a country house and estate in the village of Welford, near the town of Newbury in the English county of Berkshire. Whilst of some historical significance, the estate is perhaps best known for its displays of Snowdrops in early Spring.

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website link: www.welfordpark.co.uk

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April 2008 Visit to Spetchley Park

Spetchley and Park Gardens: Spetchley written in Domesday Book as "Speclea" and in the pre-Domesday period known as "Spaecleahtun", in the 16th century the name "Spechesley " was used, it is a parish which encompasses White Ladies Aston and Churchill and consists of few properties and has a present population of around 90, in the early 1920s it was approximately 125, it lies 3 miles east of Worcester and can be reached via the A422 Worcester to Stratford upon Avon Road.

photo: Spetchley House Park and Gardens

Once boasting a Post Office and a Blacksmiths these facilities have now gone. An important and popular attraction to visitors is Spetchley Park Gardens, created in extensive grounds they have the distinction of being one of the first three gardens opened under the national garden scheme in 1924, they are considered to be some of the finest examples of late Victorian times.

Visitors will see Magnolias, Hydrangeas, Crocus, Narcissus, Tulips, Cytisus Battander, Olives, double flowering Pomegranate as well as climbing hydrangeas, wisteria, Chinese Gooseberry, tree paeonies, camelias, this is to name just a few of the many fine examples to be seen in the gardens, in fact there is something for all seasons, the love of the gardens and gardening by members of the Berkeley family is evident and it appears to be a trait inherited from their forbears.

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link: www.spetchleygardens.co.uk

*Please click the photo above to access a photo slideshow of our Gardening Group visit to Spetchley and Park Gardens in April 2008

Photographs were taken by Nita Fenton,
Dorothy Witcomb and Terry Williams.

May 2008 Visit to Chelsea Flower Show and  RHS Gardens Wisley

Chelsea Flower Show: Every year, for five days in May, the grounds of the Royal Hospital, Chelsea, are transformed into the fabulous show gardens, inspirational small gardens and vibrant horticultural displays that make up the world’s most famous flower show.

The RHS Chelsea Flower Show is the first event of the summer season and showcases the finest examples of horticultural excellence, created by the best garden designers, plantsmen and plantswomen. It sets the latest gardening trends, is plant breeders favourite place to launch new plants and features the newest and most desirable gardening products.

photo: Chelsea Flower Show

Designers from across the globe apply to create show gardens and, with a limited number of spaces, only very special designs make it to the show. A committee of horticultural experts meet three times to assess the applications before selecting around 20 show gardens, which will create the impact and spectacle that Chelsea is renowned for.

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The smaller gardens, which often act as a platform for up and coming designers, are split into four different categories - the stylish and bold chic gardens, courtyard gardens, which are for rural or semi-rural settings, roof gardens and city gardens, which are sanctuaries for urban dwellers.

Within the Great Pavilion - the centre-piece of the show - more than 100 floral displays create a vision of colours and textures and an explosion of scents. Specialist nurseries and leading exhibitors from all over the world go to great lengths to ensure their blooms are at their very best for show week.

On top of all this, visitors can pick up a wide range of gardening accessories, and many new gardening products make their debut at the show. Those wishing to learn and discover some of the latest scientific developments in horticulture must see the Lifelong Learning exhibits within the Great Pavilion. The latest trends in floral art and floristry can also be seen at the show.

Visit the RHS Chelsea Flower Show and experience the wonder of the greatest flower show on earth

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Website link: Chelsea Flower Show website for the 2007 show

*Please click the photo above to access a photo slideshow of our Gardening Group visit to Chelsea Flower Show in May 2008

Photographs were taken by Glenice Dallow, Nita Fenton,
Marillyn John and Terry Williams

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RHS Gardens Wisley: The Royal Horticultural Society was given Wisley in 1903, although at that time only a small part of the 24-ha (60-acre) estate was actually cultivated as a garden, the remainder being wooded farmland. The original garden was the creation of George Ferguson Wilson - businessman, scientist, inventor and keen gardener and a former Treasurer of the Society. In 1878 he purchased the site and established the 'Oakwood experimental garden', with the idea of making 'difficult plants grow successfully'. The garden acquired a reputation for its collections of lilies, gentians, Japanese irises, primulas and water plants. The present Wild Garden at Wisley is the direct descendant of Oakwood and despite changes is still true to the original concept.

photo: The Canal at Gardens Wisley

After Wilson's death in 1902, Oakwood and the adjoining Glebe Farm were bought by Sir Thomas Hanbury, a wealthy Quaker who had founded the celebrated garden of La Mortola, on the Italian Riviera. In 1903, Sir Thomas presented the Wisley estate in trust to the Society for its perpetual use.

Nothing could have been more providential in the circumstances. For at least 30 years, the Society had been seeking a larger garden 'beyond the radius of the London smoke', to replace the garden at Chiswick which it had leased since 1822. It was also committed to building a new exhibition hall and offices in Vincent Square (and the construction work had already started). Both projects were seen as a fitting way to celebrate the Society's forthcoming centenary in 1904 but there were heated arguments among the Fellows over which should have priority for the available funds. Sir Thomas' generous donation solved both these problems at a stroke. By May 1904, the move from Chiswick to Wisley was complete and, in July, the new headquarters at Vincent Square was officially opened by King Edward VII - both in time to mark the centenary.

While Wisley was taking shape as an ornamental garden, its educational and scientific roles were never forgotten. A small laboratory was opened and the School of Horticulture founded to instruct young people in the principles of horticulture and prepare them for careers as professional gardeners. Many leading horticulturists have benefited from the School of Horticulture including Robert Fortune, one of the great plant hunters and Joseph Paxton who was later knighted for designing the Crystal Palace.

Following the move to Wisley the trials of flowers, vegetables and fruit - an important part of the Society's work since 1860 - were resumed and expanded. The trials 'epitomise...the Society's endeavour to show to the public the best kinds of plants to grow' and remain one of the principal objects of the garden. That combination of learning with pleasure is the essence of Wisley.

Website link: RHS Gardens Wisley

*Please click the photo above to access a photo slideshow of our Gardening Group visit to RHS Gardens Wisley in May 2008

Photographs were taken by Adrian and Glenice Dallow, Jim and Nita Fenton, Marillyn John, Dorothy Witcomb and Terry Williams.

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June 2008 Visit to Hergest Croft Gardens

Hergest Croft Gardens: Four distinct gardens extend over 50 acres, with over 4000 rare shrubs and trees. Described as 'one of the finest collections of trees and shrubs in Britain', the gardens are sure to delight everyone.

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Photo: Hergest Croft Gardens

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The Kitchen Garden contains an avenue of ancient apple trees over a riot of bulbs in spring, with magnificent 120 foot double herbaceous borders, an old-fashioned rose garden as well as a traditional fruit and vegetable garden.

The Edwardian House is surrounded by many special plants, including magnolias, cherries
and hydrangeas. The croquet lawn is enclosed by tall yew hedges containing vases of sweetly scented lilies in summer.

The Azalea Garden is dominated by a massive avenue of cedars, with spectacular azaleas
shaded by many of the magnificent birches that form part of the National Collections held at Hergest Croft. The Maple Grove, started in 1985 contains many new plants introduced from China and elsewhere.

Park Wood, in a secluded valley hidden deep within an ancient oak wood, many giant rhododendrons and exotic trees, create a Himalayan scene that will surprise and amaze you.

Website link: Hergest Croft Gardens

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*Please click the photo above to access a photo slideshow of our Gardening Group visit to Hergest Croft Gardens in June 2008

Photographs were taken by Glenice Dallow and
Terry Williams.

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July 2008 Visit to Barrington Court Gardens

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Beautiful Jekyll-inspired gardens, working kitchen garden and Tudor manor house let to Stuart Interiors

• Elegant formal gardens influenced by Gertrude Jekyll
• Colourful layout in a series of 'rooms'
• Arboretum with vivid golden hues in autumn
• Kitchen garden produce used in the restaurant
• Stuart Interiors furniture showroom in the Manor House
• Centenary exhibition 'the house that nearly died' open until the end of 2007
  
  

Website link: Barrington Court Gardens

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*Please click the photo above to access a photo slideshow of our Gardening Group visit to Barrington Court in July 2008

Photographs were taken by David Evans, Nita Fenton and
Marillyn John.

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August 2008 Holiday to Brussels to carpet of Flowers staying in Bruges

Brussels Flower Carpet: As if the Grand Place - one of the world's most beautiful squares - was not spectacular enough, every two years the Belgians cover it with a carpet of flowers.
The enterprise involves considerable time and effort, when you think that over 300 square metres have to be covered with a massive 800,000 fresh begonias. The blooms then have to be kept fresh for four days in the scorching August heat, helped by the addition of fountains within the pattern of the carpet.

*please click the image above to access a photo slideshow of our Holiday to Brussels to carpet of Flowers staying in Bruges

The end result, however, is well worth it. The multicoloured carpet forms a stunning centrepiece to the square, often including scenes from Belgian folklore and myth amongst its intricate designs.

Fireworks and a sound-and-light show launch the display on the preceding night, while those who want a better view can pay a small fee to take a look from the first floor of the town hall.

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Website link: Brussels Flower Carpet

Bruges: is known as "Venice of North", it is a beautiful medieval city, interlaced with canals. The historic Market square has been the heart of Bruges since the 12th century. The guild houses which surround the square are now restaurants, and there is a bronze statue in the centre of the square depicting Bruges' heroes Jan Breydel and Pieter de Coninck. Dominating the square is the 13th century Halle (covered market) and its Belfry, climb to the top of the Belfry for fantastic views across Bruges.

photo: Belfry of Bruges

*please click the photo for a larger image

The belfry of Bruges is a medieval bell tower in the historical center of Bruges, Belgium. One of the city's most prominent symbols, the belfry formerly housed a treasury and the municipal archives, and served as an observation post for spotting fires and other danger. A narrow, steep staircase of 366 steps, accessible by the public for an entry fee, leads to the top of the 83-meter-high building, which leans about a meter to the east.

The belfry was added to the main market square around 1240, when Bruges was prospering as an important center of the Flemish cloth industry. After a devastating fire in 1280, the tower was largely rebuilt. The city archives, however, were forever lost to the flames.

The octagonal upper stage of the belfry was added between 1482 to 1486, and capped with a wooden spire bearing an image of Saint Michael, banner in hand and dragon underfoot. The spire did not last long: a lightning strike in 1493 reduced it to ashes, and destroyed the bells as well. A wooden spire crowned the summit again for some two-and-a-half centuries, before it, too, fell victim to flames in 1741. The spire was never replaced again, thus making the current height of the building somewhat lower than in the past; but an openwork stone parapet in Gothic style was added to the rooftop in 1822.

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