Saturday 20 April 2013
A visit on the Wiltshire/Dorset border near Wincanton to Long Acre Plants (Nigel Rowlands's nursery), Snape Cottage and Chiffchaffs 

We will meet at Long Acre Nursery at 11.00 am
Nigel grows a spectacular array of shade plants including many Liliaceae and will be at the nursery to discuss the plants and their cultivation - for an impression of the range of plants he offers for sale visit the website: www.plantsforshade.co.uk or www.longacreplants.co.uk.  When I called in yesterday it had an atmosphere of "busy calm" and was looking in tip top shape.

We will then proceed to the White Lion (www.whitelionbourton.co.uk) pub in Bourton for lunch at 12.30pm.  The White Lion also does B&B for anyone who would like to visit other gardens in the area during the weekend.

During the afternoon (2.30pm onwards) we will visit the gardens at Snape Cottage,
www.snapecottagegarden.co.uk (admission £3.50)
and Chiffchaffs, www.greatbritishgardens.co.uk/chiffchaffs, (admission £3.50)   
Both gardens, are on Chaffeymoor in the village of Bourton and display a great collections of rare and unusual plants but are quite different.  Plants will be available for sale at both gardens.

It would be most helpful if any member intending to join us could let the Secretary know by email or 'phone.  Please also get in touch with her if you need any further details.

Saturday 6 July 2013
A Kentish adventure to Drs Gill and Peter Regan's garden and Peter Shotter's establishment
We will meet at Harris and Annie Howland's house, 'The Martins' in Harrietsham from 10am onwards for coffee and biscuits.  Harris advised me that anyone wishing to travel from London could catch the 9.07am from Victoria to Bearsted where we would collect them.

Harris will then lead us into the wilds of the North Downs to Frith Old Farmhouse (Otterden) to arrive at 10.45am.  The Regans will welcome us to their ¾-acre garden in a mature woodland setting that they have been developing for the last 30 years.  Although their main interest is in bulbs and woodland plants, they grow a wide range of unusual and interesting plants in a natural and informal style.  Of particular note for us are the naturalised Lilium martagon and Cardiocrinum giganteum but there are also raised beds, a vegetable garden and a scree to whet your appetite for the wealth of plants grown in this plantsmen's haven.
   
We will depart at 12.30pm for lunch at the Roebuck in Harrietsham where a table in the conservatory will await us for lunch.

We plan to reach Peter Shotter's ½ acre garden at The Warren between 2.30 and 3pm.  Peter has been a member of the Lily Group for many years and grows many lilies, with principally alpines and magnolias in his garden.  His main interest though is orchids a vast collection of which he maintains in a large totally computer controlled greenhouse, of which Peter will give us a guided tour.

Harris tells me that The Roebuck do B&B for £50/night (book online).  An alternative would be the nearby Dog & Bear at Lenham where double rooms cost £90/night and singles £60 - please ring 01622 858219 to book.

Any further information or questions - please get in touch with Harris Howland or Caroline Boisset whom you should notify if you are planning to join us.

Sunday 14 July
Lily Festival at Evenley Wood Garden (see www.evenleywoodgarden.co.uk)

Saturday 20 & Sunday 21 July
Special Open Day at Madeleine Tinson's garden
Madeleine, a member of the Lily Group, has kindly agreed, as part of Plant Heritage's 2013 celebrations of 35 years of conservation, to be one of the 35 National Collections to have Special Open Days on 20 and 21 July at her garden, where she holds the National Collection of Mylnefield Lilies,

Saturday 26 October 2013
Annual Bulb Auction and Lily Group AGM
The Bulb Auction will be held at Birmingham Botanical Gardens in the Patrick Rooms in the Study Center after the Lily Group Annual Meeting which will start at 2pm. 
During the AGM the Lyttel Cup will be awarded to Pat Huff and there will be tea and coffee with biscuits and cake to celebrate. 



Any enquiries or notification to the Secretary Caroline Boisset tel 01225 864808
carolineboisset@btinternet.com