Wisley Coach Trip Report

On Saturday 24th June, the society visited the RHS flagship garden at Wisley in Surrey. We were pleased to welcome 6 members of the Hardy Plant Society who joined us for the first time. 

Although the journeys to and from the garden were long, we enjoyed over 4 hours at this remarkable garden, which covers 240 acres. The glasshouse covers an area equivalent to 10 tennis courts and had 3 main areas creating conditions suitable for plants from around the world - moist temperate, dry temperate and tropical. There's even a waterfall! It's also the coolest place to be in summer due to the high tech climate control system. 

The Rock Garden is one of the oldest and most cherished features, with different levels of planting schemes and rock pools. 

The mixed borders are a sight to behold in summer. They are 128m long and 6m wide and are backed by hornbeam hedges. They are planted creatively, evolving and changing each season. 

The Bowes-Lyon rose Garden is one of the more recent additions to Wisley and is planted with over 4000 roses, 5000 shrubs and herbaceous perennials. We visited at the best time of year to enjoy the spectacular show! 

There are many other areas equally as attractive and well planted, including the orchard, wisteria walk, the cottage garden, the world food garden. the allotments and the bonsai walk. 

It was a very hot day but a very enjoyable one, and plants appeared on the coach when it was time to leave, purchased from the huge well stocked garden centre. 

Thanks to everyone who joined us, Pencoed Travel and especially to Dave, our driver.