Garden Visits, 2016
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Garden Visits, 2016 |
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Those of us who were at last year’s 20th Anniversary celebration were fascinated by Alistair Bayford’s talk on the development and ongoing management of the gardens at the Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park. Even if you weren’t there, you will have seen both television and press coverage of the park, and in particular the wonderful meadow planting alongside the walkways.
Alistair is the General Manager of The Landscape Group, which is currently responsible for the administration and upkeep of the park, and he was also involved in the initial planning and development of the gardens. We were delighted when he suggested that we visit the park to see for ourselves, and particularly when he offered to give us a guided tour. The gardens fall into three main areas:
We hope to be able to meet some of the gardeners, many of whom were employed locally and trained on-site. We are very grateful to Alistair, who has offered to give his time free of charge but requests that in return we publicise the gardens as much as possible.
As a complete contrast, on the way home we will be calling at Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield. This was the home of E.A.Bowles, famous for his collection and cultivation of crocuses, and who devoted most of his life to developing the 8-acre garden. Although close to the M25 it is an oasis of peace and quiet, with varied planting areas including a large pond and terrace, ornamental garden, conservatories and greenhouses, wildlife area and arboretum. Your time will be free to wander or sit and enjoy the garden as you please. There is a small café, museum, picnic area and plant sales.
No refreshments have been organised at either venue but both have refreshment and picnic facilities. The day will be long but promises to be interesting and inspirational.
| 07.00 | Depart Crowle Village Hall |
| 10.00 (approx.) | Arrive Olympic Park, Stratford, London. Guided tour with Alistair Bayford, followed by free time to look around the park, and for refreshments and lunch |
| 14.00 | Depart Olympic Park |
| 14.30 (approx) | Arrive Myddelton House Gardens. Independent viewing of the gardens. |
| 16.00 | Depart Myddelton House |
| 19.00 (approx) | Arrive Crowle |
Because Alistair is offering his services free, and Myddelton House also has free entry, it has been possible to keep the price down to £25 per person. We have a 35-seater coach booked, and already have 23 people on the list, so if you would like to come, please let me know as soon as possible.
The gardens and park wrap around the house and were designed by landscape architect Charles Chesshire as a circular journey through successive garden rooms. We will use our own transport, so that the cost of £8/person will cover garden entry and refreshments. Please tell Lyn if you would like to join the visit as they cannot accommodate more than 20 in a group. If we have more than that we will have a tour in the afternoon as well. The visit will start at 11am (afternoon at 2pm if sufficient numbers).
If anyone would like to go and needs a lift please let Lyn know.
Directions: Morton Hall Lane, Redditch B96 6SJ
- From Crowle Parish Hall go south to the A422 (Spetchley to Alcester) and turn L towards Inkberrow. After 7.5miles turn L onto B4092 then after just under a mile turn L onto Morton Hall Lane. Morton Hall is on the R after 0.5miles