Thursday 6th March – The Foster Iris Collection – Lucy Skellorn
Lucy Skellorn was training to be a gardener when, during a chat to a former head gardener at Sissinghurst, she discovered the history of one of her illustrious ancestors, her great great grandfather, Michael Foster. Michael was a professor of Biology at Cambridge University. His hobby was gardening, particularly growing irises, which he collected and bred. Lucy has followed in his footsteps and now has her own nationally recognised collection.
Competition – five daffodils/narcissi
Fowlmere Village Hall
2025 NORTHUMBRIA TOUR
FRIDAY JUNE 20th – MONDAY 23rd JUNE
4 days, 3 nights, half board at Holiday Inn , Gosforth Park , Newcastle.
DAY 1: Newby Hall, Ripon. 25- acre award winning gardens, full of rare plants, with its famous 172m long double herbaceous border sloping to the river Ure. It has 14 “room” gardens and 2 heritage orchards. In 2020, it was crowned the Historic Houses Garden of the year. Optional extras on the day – miniature railway ride around the estate or a river trip along the Ure.
DAY 2: Howick Hall & Arboretum. Ancestral seat of Earl Grey, famous tea. There are many versions how bergamot was incorporated into the blend. The church has a tomb of PM 2nd Earl Grey & has a display of about 90 tapestry kneelers depicting the history of flora & fauna of Howick. Lady Grey used the tea to entertain politicians in London and it became so popular that Twinings was involved in its worldwide distribution. The Grey family failed to register the trademark, therefore never got a penny in royalties.
Holy Island (Lindisfarne), when the tide is out. This will be a free for all afternoon, with places of interest such as Gertrude Jekyll’s small garden, St Aiden’s Winery famous for it’s mead, St Mary’s church, 2 pubs, Pilgrims coffee – best in the area and beautiful scenery. Optional extra decided on the day: Castle (NT ) steep climb at the end, not for everyone, ruins of the Priory (EH). The castle was built mid 15 century on top of a volcanic plug known as Beblowe Crag using stones from the ruins of the Priory.
DAY 3: Alnwick Gardens. Home of the world’s largest cherry orchard, unfortunately the blossom will be over. It has a Grand Cascade of 120 water jets and the world’s largest Tree House Restaurant. Also of interest is the Rose Garden with it’s 300 highly scented plants, Poison Garden, water sculptures and Chinese Bamboo Labyrinth.
Belsay Hall, castle and garden (EH). The Hall is a Regency style country house, regarded as the 1st British house to be built entirely in the new Greek revival style. There are 30 acres of enchanting gardens, cutting through
ravines to the Quarry with its own microclimate. The castle is Medieval and inside one can watch its history unfold through animated stories.
DAY 4: RHS Harlow Carr, Harrogate. 58 acres of garden created in 1946, taken over by the RHS in 2001. Once part of the ancient Forest of Knaresborough, a Royal hunting ground. Types of gardens to see, herbaceous borders, lakeside, woodland, alpine house, Queen Mother’s Lake, rock & heather beds. Betty’s Tea Rooms + shop, place to buy unique edible gifts. There is a garden centre and a RHS shop, also newly opened & refurbished the Harrogate Arms café.
If interested, please download and print the booking form and return completed to Hanna Roberts. Deposit to be paid to the club online by BACS or by card at club meetings.
