Highlights of Hidcote and Highgrove – Cotswold Trip July 2019

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49 HSHS members and friends boarded a bus early one morning in July for a short ferry trip across the water and by at lunchtime we arrived for our first garden tour –  John Massey’s beautiful garden at
Ashwood Nursery where owner John Massey gave us a tour of his immaculate garden! John power-hoses his trees to keep them sparkly white!

John Massey Ashwood Nursery. HSHS Trip July 2019
John Massy’s Garden HSHS Trip July 2019

After a sound night’s sleep, we scrubbed up for the highlight of our trip – Highgrove Gardens –  “Being led by one of HRH The Prince of Wales’s expert guides on a 2 hour tour through the gardens, followed by a Champagne Tea!”

Champagne Tea at Highgrove Gardens. HSHS Trip July 2019
Cheers! Refreshements after tour of Highgrove Gardens. HSHS Trip July 2019

Unfortunately no photography allowed in the gardens – which were simply stunning in their architecture and history.  Our guides were entertaining and knowledgeable and we got a real sense of a family home with a working garden!  And the spread was just delicious!

Back on the bus for a little snooze and when we woke up, we were in Hidcote Manor, a gorgeous garden arranged in rooms, and famous for its lavender.
We met some old friends, and it was lovely to catch up with Rob, who is enjoying life closer to his children in the UK, but missing his friends in Howth!

Janet and Rob catching up. HSHS Cotswold Trip July 2019

Back to our hotel for dinner and entertainment by our bus driver Sas, for those with the stamina – and off the next morning for Bob Browns nursery in Evesham.  It was a shopping frenzy!

HSHS Cotswold Trip July 2019

Not an extra alpine could fit on the bus going home! Tired but happy, we arrived back in Howth with new friends and great memories!

  • “Brilliant Gardens, brilliant weather, brilliant company and great fun. Altogether brilliant” Kathryn
    “It was a superb trip and wonderfully arranged and we all know that doesn’t happen by itself. So a MASSIVE THANKS to everyone involved in making it happen” Emer
  • “Excellent company and Super Gardens along with perfect weather”  From The Dillons.
    “Thanks again for organising such a wonderful trip…………. lots of food for thought……… now the question is will I, won’t I rewild my garden?  Apologies to all for cluttering up the rear of the coach with spikey plants!”  Karl
  • “Absolutely fabulous trip. Thanks for wonderful company also” Marie Wallace
    “Such a wonderful trip. It was what memories are made of”  Patricia
    “Had a fabulous time and met so many wonderful people.  Thanks again” Cathy
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