In May, about fourteen members of the Great Chesterford and District Gardening Club met at Roger & Roz Saggers’ delightful nursery in Newport for a guided tour of both the nursery and garden and, as an added bonus, a look round the neighbouring garden which Roger maintains.
Both gardens have the lovely feature of the River Cam running along their bottom boundaries and whilst standing down there, it was lovely to enjoy the peaceful location. We heard how the nursery & garden had developed over the last thirty years as we enjoyed a glass of wine & some nibbles. Several members took advantage of the nursery discount offered as part of their membership and bought some plants which will hopefully remind them of their very pleasant evening!
During June, twenty two members of the society braved torrential rain at the start of their visit to Parsonage House, Wiggens Green, Helions Bumpstead. Parsonage House, built in the mid-15th century, was originally owned by St. Paul’s in London. The house is surrounded by three acres of formal gardens featuring beautiful mixed borders containing many rare plants, of which many are home grown. Thankfully, after refreshments, the rain eased and members were able to enjoy the immaculate grounds which also include a wildflower meadow, greenhouse containing a fine collection of pelargoniums and tender plants, and potager with an ancient “Newton Wonder” apple tree.