DESPITE being a little overcast, the rain managed to hold off on the Society’s outing to two gardens in Herefordshire on April 20. The morning visit was to Hergest Croft Gardens in the heart of the Welsh Marches with fine views towards the Black Mountains. This seventy acre garden, which has been in the same family for four generations, contains five thousand rare trees and shrubs and includes beautiful rhododendrons, azaleas, magnolias, colourful spring borders, woodland walks and a traditional kitchen garden. Our visit was particularly memorable as the Duke of York was also being shown around the garden before planting a tree, which we were all able to watch. An excellent buffet lunch was provided before we moved on to Brobury House Gardens some twenty minutes away. Situated on the banks of the River Wye with panoramic views of the surrounding countryside, the house and terraced garden were originally laid out in the 1880’s. This eight acre garden had gone through various alterations over the decades, but in 2001 the present owners embarked on a programme of restoration and development which now include three formal water features being woven through the original Victorian terraces, a bog garden and informal paths following a stream through woodland planting, leading to a two acre water meadow. After a delightful walk in such a tranquil setting, we all had the pleasure of taking tea and cake on the terrace.

The Society’s next meeting is on Thursday, May 18, when Duncan Coombes will present a talk entitled ‘Climbers and Wall Shrubs.’ Visitors are always very welcome to join us at meetings which are held on the third Thursday of the month at 7.45 pm in the Crawford Memorial Hall, Bidford on Avon. Admission is £3 including refreshments. For further details please contact Annette Haines on 01789 268974 or go to www.bidfordgardens.com

JANICE FERGUSON