Major trip in June

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On a beautiful afternoon AGOG members gathered at Appuldram for an update on rose pruning from Mrs Sawday. There was plenty of opportunity to practice and everyone said they had gained new information from the visit.

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Eight members made the visit to Brandy Mount House to see the wonderful
display of Galanthus (snowdrops) and Daphne in a lovely garden setting.

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Our tour started at the thyme walk.  This area also featured a pond and yew hedges, cut into wonderful shapes, framing the pathway to the house.

From here we wandered through the woodland area, full of bluebells, hostas and hellebores.  The stumpery followed on naturally with lots of tree stumps covered with moss and ferns, some piled high, shiny and shaped.

The kitchen garden is surrounded by high walls covered in espalier fruit trees.  Rosemary and box hedges contain the vegetable plots.  Roses grow through the apple trees.

In the woods Prince Charles has had a sanctuary built – the Millennium Room – a lovely little building.  We were asked not to go too near but the inscription carved above the door could be read – ‘Lighten Our Darkness, We Beseech Thee O Lord’.  Also in the woods is a thatched tree house, which has been restored.

Emerging from this area we once again approached the house on a path through the wild garden.  Each side of the path masses of tulips, in shades of pink and purple, have been planted.  Sheep are put in the wild garden for 3 days in November and again in February to keep the grass down and in July Shire horses are used to mow it.

Another side of the house has a lovely view of Tetbury Church.  The deeds of the house state that the view must never be obstructed.  To the left is a newly planted avenue of trees with a statue from Victoria Station at the end. Throughout the gardens there are numerous statues and ornaments.  One particularly beautiful piece was a bronze of 4 girls – a memorial to the daughters of the murdered Tzar.  It is a wonderful garden created and restored, with help, by Prince Charles.  We were told that the Prince enjoys working in his garden when he gets the opportunity.
Thank you Penny for organising that memorable day.
Betty Sheppard