Immerse yourself in the floral extravaganza of springtime in the UK. Horticulturist and Ross Tour leader, Colin Barlow takes us for an armchair stroll through one of his favourite destinations.
Leading tours to England’s finest public and private gardens including the phenomenal ‘Chelsea Flower Show’ still gives me an intense buzz of excitement and garden inspiration! Visiting historic towns and some of the prettiest villages in the country make this the perfect way to enjoy those seemingly endless spring days. The British take pride in their gardens and I love to show Aussie travellers the many reasons why they are some of the best in the world!
The tour commences in the historic spa city of Bath, where we visit the charming formal gardens of Harold Peto’s Italianate Iford Manor and the enchanting Bishop’s Palace in the nearby cathedral city of Wells. We travel south to the beautiful Royal Horticultural Society gardens at Rosemoor before heading into Cornwall staying for three nights on the stunning scenic coast. We take time to visit the famous Eden Project with its massive biomes growing plants from all around the world, and the magnificent estate of Lanhydrock, with its formal parterres and woodland plantings carpeted with bluebells.
The gardens in Cornwall are famous for their outstanding plants including camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas and viburnum. Later we visit Caerhays, a stunning castle by the sea, along with the enchanting Lost Gardens of Heligan. I love taking travellers through The Lost Gardens of Heligan and telling the story of its amazing reawakening after falling in to decline during the First World War. Walking beneath the towering tree ferns, giant gunnera and along the rope bridge always leaves me feeling like ‘Indiana Jones’!
On our way to Oxford, we visit Hestercombe Garden, one of my favourite destinations. An impressive collaboration between Sir Edwin Lutyens stunning stonework, and Gertrude Jekyll’s dynamic style of planting.
Next, our travels showcase contemporary planting ideas from the stylish Pettifer’s garden, with ribbons of colour and texture, followed by Bibury in the Cotswolds. According to William Morris this is the ‘most beautiful village in England’, where we enjoy picturesque private gardens and a sumptuous afternoon tea. A treat that I especially look forward to on this tour!
The influential Arts and Crafts garden of Lawrence Johnson at Hidcote Manor, with its intricate garden rooms and spectacular planting, is a must for any visitor to the UK. England’s answer to Versailles, the grandiose Blenheim Palace, including the exquisite palace gardens and Capability Brown design landscapes, provides another lesson in the history of British gardens.
The impeccable borders and displays at Waterperry Gardens, a former Women’s horticultural college, complete our stay in Oxford.
We finally head into London, via the creative, fun and masterful gardens at West Green House. Here, we stop for lunch in the glasshouse of my dreams, surrounded by pots full of colour! The crescendo of our trip is the opening day at The Chelsea Flower Show. This day is reserved {feature} for VIPs and members of the RHS, so we get to enjoy it without the big crowds. Highlights include the inspirational multi-million dollar show gardens, the impeccably crafted Artisan gardens and my favourite, the Great Pavilion. If you want to see the newest and best plants in the world, this is the place to be. This experience will blow your mind, changing your perception of the standard of horticulture forever! Perhaps even get into the spirit of the occasion by enjoying a Pimm’s by the bandstand, the official cocktail of the Chelsea Flower Show.
COME WITH US
Join us on our Chelsea Flower Show and Gardens of England tour. For details call Ross Garden Tours 1300 233 200 or visit www.rosstours.com/england/
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