At the Godstone Gardeners’ Club we enjoy our monthly meetings, but we also enjoy our outings. We have a number of trips each year that are incredibly popular with our members. These are usually tailor made trips for private visits to gardens that are specially selected. A coach is laid on for the majority of our trips and usually include some form of refreshment. For 2018 we have some stunning gardens to visit. A full list of our trips, (known as Jean’s Jolly Japes), for 2018 is below:
Horse Drawn Barge Trip, Godalming
Tuesday 8th May – 12.30pm to 5.00pm
Step back in time for a relaxing journey on the River Wey. Think Victorian as you travel along this unspoilt waterway in Surrey as a generation of boatmen before you. Your journey on the narrow boat “IONA” is pulled by one heavy horse and traverses both river and canal and passes through a lock. It is difficult to imagine a more serene and delightful way to spend an afternoon. To top it all, Cream Tea will be served on board!
Evening at Blunts Brook, Edenbridge
Thursday 21st June – 6.30pm to 9.30pm
Lorraine Harrington and Bernie Taylor, members of this illustrious Club, have kindly consented to open their 10 acre garden for us this evening. If you didn’t make it in 2017 you simply must come this evening! There are two large ponds – and not just any old ponds… they are part of the garden that have won Gold for Wildlife in 2015 and 2016 which is no mean feat – wild flower meadow, woodland, herbaceous beds, shrub borders, courtyard and Japanese style garden to name but a few! There will be wine, soft drinks and nibbles (not supper!) dispensed throughout the evening. Entrance proceeds this evening will go to charity. Transport for this evening event will be by private car. Lifts can be arranged.
Ball Colegrave, Banbury Area
Date tba July – 2.15pm to 10.00pm
The trial grounds of Ball Colegrave, suppliers of plants and bedding to Garden Centres, will be open to the public on this afternoon/evening. There are 4 acres of spectacular trial grounds, colourful gardens and patio displays to explore as well as the largest display of hanging baskets and containers in the UK. A visit to the Open Evening also provides visitors with a very unique and special opportunity to preview new plant introductions yet to be released into Garden Centres in 2019! There will be a programme of entertainment throughout the visit, light refreshments available for purchase (although you are most welcome to bring your own food and drink if you prefer). There will, of course, be plants available for purchase so bring your bags/boxes and crates!
Malthouse Farm, Hassocks
Wednesday 8th August – 11.15am to 5.15pm
We start the adventure with a buffet pub lunch at THE BENT ARMS, LINDFIELD. Selection of rolls, savoury croissant and sandwiches is included – they bake their own bread and it is delicious! The sandwiches are more doorstep than Dorchester Hotel with a selection of fillings, so VERY substantial. Tea/coffee and Cake to follow (all included). You may purchase any other drinks from the bar. Originally a 16th century coaching inn, The Bent Arms is a grade II listed building situated in the picturesque village of Lindfield. Once suitably replete, we continue our journey to MALTHOUSE FARM. This is a rural 5acre garden with stunning views to South Downs. The garden is divided into separate areas, box parterre and borders with glass sculptures, herbaceous and shrub borders, newly planted mixed border with seasonal colour and kitchen garden. Orchard leading to partitioned areas with grass walks, snail mound, birch maze and willow tunnel. Wildlife farm pond with planted surround. Chickens may be roaming…..! Tea/coffee and the most delicious homemade cake (included) will be served before we leave.
Chidmere Gardens, Near Chichester
Tuesday 11th September – 10.15am to 4.30pm
The wisteria clad 15th Century house (not open) is surrounded by yew and hornbeam hedges situated next to Chidmere pond, a natural wildlife preserve of approx. 5 acres. The garden includes a formal rose garden, well stocked herbaceous borders and 8 acres of orchards with a wide selection of heritage and modern varieties of apples, pears and plums including 200 year-old varieties of Blenheim Orange and Bramley Seedling.
On arrival we shall have a light lunch followed by a short introductory talk and then you may visit the garden at your leisure. Before we leave we shall have tea/coffee and cake.