VISIT TO RHS WISLEY GARDENS  BY COACH

It was an early start from Ash for members and friends , as we had anticipated a rather arduous journey as this particular weekend was one when the M25 / A3 Junction was closed due to the major road works there . However our driver Derek had done his homework and led us through the leafy back lanes of Surrey on his diversion route , with only a small amount of extra time incurred.

Arrival at RHS Wisley was a pleasant surprise for those of us who had not visited in the recent past ; the very majestic new double row of matched trees into the new reception area – this avenue also extending beyond the new building . Very nicely done.

Despite a very tough drought since April , the gardens were looking really good  – no doubt due to the hard work of the staff and the copious use of mulching on the flower beds . The Prairie Garden on the hillside had certainly done well in the recent dry conditions.

The Garden certainly had a large numbers of visitors on the day of our visit, but they were well dispersed over the garden which meant it did not feel too crowded. There is a great new set of buildings called ‘Hilltop ‘ which includes sets of rooms , display areas and a café , leading out into the World Food Garden . This additional catering area helps to take the pressure off from the other 2 cafes. The Hilltop building was a clever design – large and airy ; out the front there was even a running flat trough of flowing water , which the children were enjoying on what was a warm day !

The World Food Garden was looking impressive and is a very good educational facility – helping to show both children and adults what food crops from other countries look like when growing.  They even had a small greenhouse which was planted up entirely with ‘Bitter Gourd’  . Normally grown outdoors in India and seen in the exotic veg section in supermarkets.

There was also a large area planted with Pumpkins and Winter Squash , which had responded to the heat with much luxurious growth .     An interesting planting idea was a line of separate double high hoops- which you could walk through; planted with orange flowered Tithonia on each side. A very interesting and impressive  idea , if you had plenty of space available !

Our party had a very enjoyable time on this visit to Wisley and many of us returned home with some new planting or garden design ideas !

As well as thanks to Derek , our gratitude is extended to Sarah and Val for organising the trip.