GREAT CHESTERFORD & DISTRICT GARDENING SOCIETY SPRING OUTING MAY 2019
After a very wet and windy day, the evening broke fine when over 30 members of the Society visited Brent Pelham Hall, where Catherine Cocks (long time member of the Society) has been Head Gardener for two years.
After a brief history of the house and garden, Catherine showed us around the beautiful grounds, including the herbaceous borders, walled gardens and kitchen garden, and outlined plans for future developments. Amongst many fine features, at their best were the beautiful Wisteria in the courtyard, the tulips in the herbaceous border and the wall of Rosa Banksiae, all set within the outstanding landscape of 26 acres, including two lakes, magnificent mature trees and wildflower meadows.
After the tour, we were invited for tea with a selection of delicious cakes which were much enjoyed by all. Chairperson Pauline Gale gave a vote of thanks to Catherine for a delightful evening which will be remembered by us all as a highlight in the Society’s calendar, and our thanks must also go to Mrs Alexandra Carrell for her kind hospitality.
Also, Brent Pelham Hall invites you to their first Open Gardens, in conjunction with the National Garden Scheme. This event will take place on 22nd and 23rd June 2019, from 2pm – 5pm each day.
Surrounding a beautiful Grade 1 listed property, the gardens consist of 12 acres of formal gardens, redesigned 10 years ago by the renowned landscaper Kim Wilkie. They include two walled gardens, the Mulberry Garden and the Amphitheatre Garden, each with their own character. The Potager boasts willow obelisks of sweet peas within box hedged mini gardens of perennial planting. The Walled Kitchen Garden produces cut flowers and vegetables, where there will be plants for sale each day. Take a wander through the Orchard, Rose Walk and into the newly created quintessentially English Double Herbaceous Border. In the further 14 acres of parkland there are mown paths through the Wildflower Meadows and around the two lakes. These stunning grounds are gardened organically.
Teas, coffees and cake will be served in the estate office. Entry £5.00 for adults and free for children 16 and under. Proceeds will be donated to the charities supported by the National Garden Scheme and also Brent Pelham Church.