Friday Forum Day Trip to Derbyshire

Friday Forum members had a brilliant day out visiting three very different gardens.  Each one was delightful and inspirational, the weather was great as were the cakes and we commend Janella for organising it and for her excellent choice.

First up was Smithy House, Heath

Chris and Mike Hasty's 1 acre cottage garden with its colour themed borders, vegetable and herb bedsand and two ponds was originally just a field.  They say their inspiration came from visits to various gardens. 

 

 

Next was Park Hall, Walton

Kim and Margaret Staniforth's stunning 2 acre garden complemented the historic property with its various garden rooms and quirky artefacts.  When Kim received our booking and saw we came from Paxton, he wasn't sure where in the country we were coming from!

 

 

 

Last but not least was Hillside, New Whittington 

Eric Lee's 1/3 acre on a very sloping site housed over a thousand plants and had raised his Himalayan garden from seed.

 Whilst strolling through the gardens, having tea and cake and purchasing plants, there was also an opportunity to chat with fellow Friday Forum members.

Derek and Olwen are widely travelled and lived in the Czech Republic, where Derek, an eminent philatelist, speaker and author, taught at Olomouc and wrote about their postal service.

Next Meeting:  3^rd August – Patio Panache by Hilary Hutson