May 5th 1.30pm, visit to ‘The Magnolias’, Roger Hammond’s garden in Brentwood, Essex. This is a remarkable garden with an oriental feel and some fantastic bamboos. Roger also holds the National Collection of Epimediums, which should be at their best, and the garden has a great collection of maples and rare plants. (Donations to Plant Heritage welcomed). The Magnolias, 18 St John’s Avenue, Brentwood, Essex, CM14 5DF. www.epimedium-collection.com
May 24th-25th weekend visit to Cumbria. John McMillan is kindly organising a weekend for the late May Bank Holiday, when the rhododendrons should be in full flower. Possible garden visits include Stagshaw, Holehird, Rydal, Lowther Castle, Sizergh and/or Levens Hall. Full details nearer the time.
September 6th-7th, Cornwall weekend to coincide with the excellent rare plant fair at Tremenheere, where Mike Bell will be selling bamboos, and to visit the fabulous garden. Other garden visits to be arranged, and again, details nearer the time.
There will also be a visit to Tony Shep’s amazing tropical garden in Manchester in the summer, date to be finalised. (Donations to NGS please)
If you are planning to attend any of these please let me know (chen22@btinternet.com). If you would like to organise a visit or have a suggestion for one, please email me. It would be great to have visits all around the country to allow as many members as possible to attend.
Helen Chen