Category: Gardening Group

September saw the group travel to Northamptonshire for the last trip of the year to Coton Manor. We picked a glorious day, probably the best trip, weather wise, we have had all year!

The gardens were beautiful and still full of colour. There were also hens and cockerels lazing in the sun, dozing pigs living the life of Riley and 6 flamingos in or near the lake. The volunteer gardeners were a mine of information and willing as ever to answer queries and give information about the many unusual flowers and plants.

The tearoom did a roaring trade as did the nursery, and several new plants made their way back to gardens in Hucknall. All in all, a wonderful day out. 

This month, on 28^th October, we are back at the John Godber Centre for a Gardeners’ Question and Answer Session, meeting at 1.30 to 3.30. Come and find out all about the problems on your plot and see if we have the solutions!

We are also having a ‘Seed Swap’ at this meeting, so if you have any surplus seeds, either in packets or from your own saving, bring them along to swap or give away to someone else.

All are welcome as we are an open group.

In August, 28 resolute members made their way through rain and dark grey clouds to Shropshire to visit David Austin Roses. The greeting team remarked that we had missed a deluge just before we arrived! But then the weather changed, and the sun appeared and shone on us for the rest of the day. The downpour though affected the scent of the roses and they were just beginning to reveal their fragrance by the end of the afternoon.

There were several gardens to walk around, laid out with roses and other plants, statues and benches to rest on. The team of gardeners working there were also willing to answer questions and queries. We were also accompanied by the resident Peahen, admiring the pots on offer in the Sales area.

So many colours, variations, scents, and sizes, something for everyone. And that was seen in the number of bags and pots that found their way into the “boot” of our coach! The tearoom and restaurant were also well patronised, in true u3a fashion. Everyone enjoyed the trip and we were again made very welcome by the team at the Centre. Well worth a visit.

September’s meeting is another trip, this time to Coton Manor in Northamptonshire. The coach for this is full at the moment, but we can take names for a waiting list in case of cancellation, if anyone else is interested.

On 15^th October we are back at the JGC for a Gardener’s Question and Problem session. All are welcome as we are an open group.

Our July meeting was a trip to East Riddlesden Hall with two coaches making the journey. On arrival the group was met and welcomed by the staff. The weather was not quite so kind to us being a mixture of sun and showers.

As the Hall is quite small, we were split into groups, with some starting in the restaurant, others in the gardens, and another group in the Hall.

The Hall is stone built and has a lovely façade with the walk to it going past a lake full of ducks.

The original owners of the Hall made their fortune from wool and agriculture. The grounds consist of formal gardens, Lavender and Herb areas and a wild garden.

Despite the weather everyone enjoyed the day.

Last month, members enjoyed a fantastic romp of a talk from Lizzie Impey. Lizzie, from Ravenshead, gave an insight into the history of flower growing and picking for many different events. She explained her own route into the business and how she now runs her own Priory Wood Flowers selling and delivering locally grown blooms, travelling very few miles and producing fragrant seasonal bouquets. She enthused us all with her excitement and enthusiasm.

On 16 July the group are taking a trip to East Riddlesden Hall in Yorkshire. We have already filled one coach and are taking names for a second. If anyone would like to join us, see us at the main u3a meeting in July. The cost is £15 for National Trust members and £21.50 for non-members.

On 20 August we are going to David Austin Roses and will be taking names for this trip at the main meetings in July and August.

As the weather is finally beginning to warm up, take the opportunity to get out and enjoy your plots.

Last month members enjoyed a lovely visit to Packwood House and gardens in Warwickshire.

The dry day enabled us to enjoy walks around the kitchen garden, the Yew garden with over 100 trees of varying ages heights and health, the Orchard with bee hives, the Carolean garden, a spiral walk up the Mound to view the House and a walk around the lake. Some even ventured along the marked trails through the wood.

The House was last owned by the Ash family and was restored to its Tudor character with lots of artefacts and furniture of that period. The house has a warm, cosy atmosphere, with lots to enjoy, and is well worth a visit if you have never been.

This month we welcome Lizzie Impey who has a Cutting Garden at Priory Wood and she will be talking about her work there. All are welcome at 1.30 on Tuesday 18^th June at the John Godber Centre. We will also be taking names and monies for our next trip in July to East Riddlesdon in Yorkshire.

Enjoy your plots as they flourish in this warm wet weather!