After some 12 years of planning, organising and doing a 3 day, 2 night away trip, this year was our last. We are all 12 years older than when we began and all a little less able to take the pace. Not that we ever let that stop us!
Taking in West Silchester Hall on our way to Lymington, we explored the house and garden that is owned by an artist who’s talents on canvass have inspired her colour combinations in the garden. Still on our way, we stopped off to visit the Manor House at Exton to explore a wonderful walled garden and a woodland area. This wonderful garden had the likes of delphiniums, sedums, geraniums, salvias and the rambling rose, ‘American Pillar’. Reaching our destination on our first evening of the popular, (with the club), Stanwell House Hotel, we enjoyed a 3 course meal to regenerate us after our first day.
Our second day started with a visit to Hambledon House, owned by Captain and Mrs David Hart Dyke – aunt and uncle of our favourite gardener, Tom Hart Dyke! We had a great visit there before moving on to 6 Breamore Close in Eastleigh. This was a real plant lovers garden and full of texture and colour. Having had a second great day, we returned to our hotel for a little rest and relaxation.
A good full English breakfast on our third day preceded us packing our bags ready to leave Lymington. Far from being over though, we were off to visit Weir House – a spectacular riverside garden with a fantastic sweeping lawn backed by old walls, yew buttresses and mixed perennials. Off once again, we took a bit of a departure and took a trip down memory lane taking a trip on the Watercress Line. A great time was had by all and we finally returned to Godstone … tired, but very happy!
To see some photos of this wonderful trip, click on any photo in our gallery below: