ON June 15 visits to two gardens were enjoyed. Firstly Ridleys Cheer, near Chippenham, Wiltshire. We were greeted by the Owner, Mr AJ Young who used an excellent microphone to show us round, we heard every word. A delightful informal garden made up of mixed borders, an extensive collection of trees, shrubs, roses and acid lovers such as magnolias and acers although the ground is on limestone. There was also a 3.5 acre wild flower meadow, an arboretum and a vegetable garden. The roses were particularly beautiful, many of them scrambling through trees. The white rose, Wedding Day, was just at its best. Many of the Young’s plants were grown from seed some of which were gathered on their extensive travels to far flung places.

The second garden visited was Abbey Manor Garden s at Malmesbury. The Pollard family bought the house and garden in 1994, having fallen in love with it. Although the owner is now very unwell, his son has taken on the mantle of running it, and although the premises are up for sale there was,much to be enjoyed.

Everywhere there are stone relics from the ruined abbey which still stands. There is a huge collection of plants. Different areas of this Abbey Garden have names such as Celtic Cross Garden and Saxon Avon. There is a fish pond with enormous carp occasionally leaping after flying insects. In sharp contrast one may go down to the river where birdlife is abundant , from kingfishers to swans, from nuthatch to grebe and many more. Acid lovers such as acer, rhododendron etc, survived where the soil has been made acidic.A most interesting day, with two sharply contrasting gardens.

Next meeting is the Annual Show on Saturday July 8 at Crawford Hall, open for visitors at 2pm.

Next Club meeting is on July 20, Creating a Sensory Garden at Brandon Marsh, by Lucy Hartley.

All visitors welcome please contact 01789 268974.

DAVID HAINES