South Solihull u3a Gardening Group
INTRODUCTION
You don't have to have a grand or great garden or even green fingers to join us. Our interests lie in learning about gardens, plants and how to look after them. We visit gardens which are not always open to the public.
TRANSPORT
Some of our visits are to private gardens that are off the beaten track and not accessible unless by taxi or private car. Our members are often willing to drive and take other passengers. Without their generosity many lovely visits over the years could not have taken place. If you are willing to car-share where the visit is by private car, please let the coordinator know.
NEXT VISITS
FRIDAY 17th MAY 2024
Visit: 6, Canon Price Road, Nursery Meadow, BARFORD, CV35 8EQ.
This is a large mature garden with colour themed perennials, shrubs, a cut flower area, a wild life garden and pond. It has vegetables and 19 different varieties of cordon trained fruits. There are plenty of seating areas. Plants are supplied to Baddesley Clinton. Hardy perennials will be for sale; 3 for £12 (bring cash).
Times: Meet at Bentley Heath Community Centre At 1:15p.m. to be at Barford by 2p.m. Return at 4:30 approx.
Transport: Lift Share or drive. If you are driving and are willing and able to take extra passengers in your car, please let me know as this garden cannot be accessed by public transport.
Cost: £7 per person to include refreshments. Cash, Bank Transfer or cheques made payable in full please to South Solihull u3a, and send to our Treasurer, John Bennett, 21 Rodborough Road, Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EE. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT BY FRIDAY MAY 10th.
THURSDAY 20th JUNE 2024
Visit: THE LASKETT GARDENS. Perennial, Much Birch, HR 2 8HZ
The Laskett Gardens are a treasure of colour, structure and beauty set amongst the peaceful and unspoilt Herefordshire countryside, created over 47 years by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, Julia Trevelyan, well known figures in the arts world.
There is some uneven ground and narrow paths; wear strong shoes. Refreshments available to buy: Light lunches, tea and coffee.
More details on their website: www.perennial.org.uk
Transport: Coach travel with Johnsons. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to come, as this is only a 19 seater coach.
Times: Depart Bentley Heath Community Hall at 8:15a.m. to Arrive 10:30 approx
Cost: £34 to include Coach and garden ticket. Cash, Bank Transfer or Cheques made payable in full please to South Solihull u3a, and send to John Bennett, 21 Rodborough Road, Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EE. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT BY MAY 20th.
Visit: THE LASKETT GARDENS. Perennial, Much Birch, HR 2 8HZ
The Laskett Gardens are a treasure of colour, structure and beauty set amongst the peaceful and unspoilt Herefordshire countryside, created over 47 years by Sir Roy Strong and his late wife, Julia Trevelyan, well known figures in the arts world.
There is some uneven ground and narrow paths; wear strong shoes. Refreshments available to buy: Light lunches, tea and coffee.
More details on their website: www.perennial.org.uk
Transport: Coach travel with Johnsons. Please let me know as soon as possible if you would like to come, as this is only a 19 seater coach.
Times: Depart Bentley Heath Community Hall at 8:15a.m. to Arrive 10:30 approx
Cost: £34 to include Coach and garden ticket. Cash, Bank Transfer or Cheques made payable in full please to South Solihull u3a, and send to John Bennett, 21 Rodborough Road, Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EE. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT BY MAY 20th.
TUESDAY 30th JULY 2024
Visit: RHODDS FARM, Lyonshall, Kington HR 5 3LW
This is a garden created by the owner, a garden designer over a period of 18 years.
It contains 13 acres of woodland, gardens with double herbaceous borders with an extensive range of unusual plants. It has a gravel garden, ponds and a wildflower meadow. It is a natural garden that fits the setting with magnificent views. NO pesticides are used. You may have seen this garden visited last summer by Nick Bailey of Gardeners World,
Take a look at their website: www.rhoddsfarm.co.uk
Transport: Travel by Johnsons coach.
Times: Meet at Bentley Heath Community Hall at 8a.m. Depart 8:15 to Arrive at 10:15 approx. Return at 4p.m. Approx
Cost: £40 to include coach, entrance, tea, coffee and cake. Pay by cash, bank transfer or cheque made payable in full please to South Solihull u3a, and send to John Bennett, 21 Rodborough Road, Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EE. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT BY FRIDAY 28th JUNE.
Visit: RHODDS FARM, Lyonshall, Kington HR 5 3LW
This is a garden created by the owner, a garden designer over a period of 18 years.
It contains 13 acres of woodland, gardens with double herbaceous borders with an extensive range of unusual plants. It has a gravel garden, ponds and a wildflower meadow. It is a natural garden that fits the setting with magnificent views. NO pesticides are used. You may have seen this garden visited last summer by Nick Bailey of Gardeners World,
Take a look at their website: www.rhoddsfarm.co.uk
Transport: Travel by Johnsons coach.
Times: Meet at Bentley Heath Community Hall at 8a.m. Depart 8:15 to Arrive at 10:15 approx. Return at 4p.m. Approx
Cost: £40 to include coach, entrance, tea, coffee and cake. Pay by cash, bank transfer or cheque made payable in full please to South Solihull u3a, and send to John Bennett, 21 Rodborough Road, Dorridge, Solihull. B93 8EE. PLEASE MAKE PAYMENT BY FRIDAY 28th JUNE.
RECENT ACTIVITIES
WEDNESDAY 6th MARCH 2024
Nineteen members went on our first garden visit of 2024 to ASHWOOD GARDEN and NURSERY, Kingswinford.
The weather was kind to us, with a few sunny spells to keep out the cold.
We had a guided tour of the garden, and after lunch we had a talk in their hellebore growing tunnel. Both guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and answered the many queries that we threw at them.
Members took the opportunity to purchase unusual specimens of hellebores from the propagation tunnel.
Nineteen members went on our first garden visit of 2024 to ASHWOOD GARDEN and NURSERY, Kingswinford.
The weather was kind to us, with a few sunny spells to keep out the cold.
We had a guided tour of the garden, and after lunch we had a talk in their hellebore growing tunnel. Both guides were incredibly knowledgeable, and answered the many queries that we threw at them.
Members took the opportunity to purchase unusual specimens of hellebores from the propagation tunnel.
OCTOBER 2018
Our last garden visit of 2018 - Conderton Manor Gardens
Our last garden visit of 2018 - Conderton Manor Gardens
15th AUGUST 2018
The Gardening group had a lovely day out in Shropshire. These pictures are of Wollerton Old Hall and Gardens
courtesy of Pam Hunter
The Gardening group had a lovely day out in Shropshire. These pictures are of Wollerton Old Hall and Gardens
courtesy of Pam Hunter
13th APRIL 2018
The Gardening Group visited Spetchley Park
The Gardening Group visited Spetchley Park