Coach Outings in 2005

Yet another great selection of superb venues chosen for their wide range of interest and good facilities within easy travelling distance of Maidstone.  As before, the Society is pleased to invite their good friends from All Saints and St Philips to join them on these outings, but as always, book early to avoid disappointment.

1          Leonardslee Gardens, Horsham, West Sussex                   Sunday, 15^th May

Fare £8.50      Group entry £7.00

Leonardslee is a plantsman’s garden on an enormous scale, begun in 1801 and still owned and maintained by the Loder family.  Rhododendrons, azaleas, camellias and magnolias flourish here in 240 acres including seven beautiful lakes within a tranquil and sheltered valley in these private gardens often described as “the most beautiful landscape garden in Europe in the month of May”.  We have chosen this month in which to enjoy this garden at its peak.  Here also the natural fauna and flora are encouraged – birdsong, wild flowers, butterflies and even rabbits and wallabies all have their place in this Sussex paradise.  The Japanese Azaleas in the Rock Garden become a kaleidoscope of colour and the rhododendron are weighed down by the mass of fragrant blooms. There are many fine trees and there is an award winning Bonsai collection.

There is a family collection of Victorian motor cars of the period 1889-1900 and a “Behind the Dolls House” exhibition of a country estate of 100 years ago which has been extended to include the village shops.  The Clock Tower Restaurant provides lunches and teas, and there is a Plant Sales area plus a Gift Shop. The gardens are not suitable for wheelchairs.

2                    Mottisfont Abbey Garden & House, Romsey, Hants.        Sunday 26^th June

Fare £ 9.50     Entry £6.00     National Trust members Free

Set amidst glorious countryside along the River Test, this 12^th century Augustinian priory was converted into a private house after the Dissolution of the Monasteries, and still retains the spring or ‘font’ from which its name is derived.  The abbey contains a drawing room decorated by Rex Whistler and Derek Hill’s 20^th century picture collection, but the key attraction is the grounds with magnificent trees, walled gardens and National Collection of old-fashioned roses. Mottisfont can claim to be the loveliest rose garden in Britain, and provides a ‘rose clinic’ in season; there are also good herbaceous borders. The estate includes Mottisfont village and surrounding farmland and woods.  As the roses are renowned for their scent, smoking is not allowed in the walled garden during the rose season.

There is a licensed restaurant, a shop, second-hand bookshop and a plant sales area. Picnics are not allowed in the rose garden or on the formal lawns.

3          RHS Garden, Wisley                                     Sunday 14^th August

Fare £9.00      Group entry FREE

Whatever the season, Wisley demonstrates British gardening at its best with 240 acres of glorious garden - a garden to enjoy all the year round.  For 100 years the garden has been a centre of gardening excellence with visitors benefiting from the knowledge and experience of experts.  A visit offers countless opportunities to gather new ideas and inspiration.  Model Gardens provide ideas for your own garden. In the month of our visit we will find summer colour in the mixed borders, the Wild Garden, Pinetum and Arboretum, and glasshouses with a wealth of diverse planting.  There is a 16-acre fruit field with over 700 apple cultivars, a Herb Garden and the Golden Jubilee Rose Garden which was opened in 2003. The Trials gardens are always worth a visit. Whatever the season, the visitor can be assured of a full day packed with interest.

There is a licensed restaurant serving hot and cold lunches, a café and a coffee shop. A Shop and a Plant Centre are also open 7 days a week.

4          Ham House, Richmond, Surrey (NT)                       Sunday 11^th September

Fare £9.00      Entry £7.00; National Trust members free.

Ham House is unique in Europe as the most complete survival of 17^th century fashion and power.  Built in 1610 the house was enlarged in the 1670’s when it was at the heart of Restoration court life and intrigue.  It was then occupied by the same family until 1948. Ham House is one of the most beautiful and perfectly preserved Stuart houses in the country with lavish interiors housing impressive and rare collections of original furnishings and paintings.  Today the 92 bedroom mansion is reputedly one of the most haunted houses in England; The formal garden (20 acres) is significant for its survival within the area known as the cradle of the English Landscape Movement. It features formal gardens in 17^th century style; roses (mainly modern and climbers); herbs; fruit; parterres; the Cherry Garden; the Wilderness; the Kitchen Garden; and Holm Oak Avenue are all exciting areas to explore. The outbuildings include an Orangery, ice house, still house and dairy with cast iron ‘cows legs’ supporting marble slabs.

The Orangery Café, using produce from the kitchen garden, is licensed. There is a shop.

If time permits, we will try to fit in an additional visit during the afternoon, to one of a variety of places of interest in this vicinity.  We will reserve this as a Mystery Visit, but much will depend on the weather and on the length of time we will comfortably enjoy at Ham House.  We aim to please!!!

Coach Pick-up Points:  For each of the outings the coach leaves Armstrong Road, Maidstone, at 9.00 a.m. and the Old Palace at 9.15 a.m.

Book early by ringing our Treasurer, Mike Pursey, 01622 814324 (The Coach House, 76 Bow Road, Wateringbury, Maidstone, ME18 5DS).  Payment in full with order, preferably by cheque, please, payable to Maidstone Horticultural Society.  At the time of booking, please also indicate your chosen pick-up point, i.e. Armstrong Road or Archbishops Palace, so that we don’t go without you!

Here are some photograph’s of well know All Saints personalities enjoying a trip to Arundel Castle

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