We are following our traditional format this year as in previous years. Once again we have tried to bear in mind the odd shape of Northamptonshire and have a mix of visits to different parts of the county. We have also included three visits to sites just outside the county borders. Again, there is a mix of times and days and also of different types of garden. Clipston, Church Langton and Pipewell are modern gardens associated with historic sites. A highlight is a visit to Apethorpe Hall to see the current reconstruction work being undertaken on this beautiful and important building and garden. We are also fortunate in being welcomed to the Deanery by the side of the Cathedral in the Precincts at Peterborough. We are privileged to have our Summer Party at Coton, which we all know and love.
VISITS.
SATURDAY MAY 3rd APETHORPE HALL.
Apethorpe Hall is a fine Tudor House which is currently being restored by English Heritage. It was the home of the Fane family who were Earls of Westmorland until the early 20C when it was purchased by the Brassey family. They restored the house and garden and the architect, Reginald Blomfield, played an important part. He was a strong proponent of the architectural nature of gardens whereas his contemporary, William Robinson favoured a more naturalistic approach. Blomfield created much of the garden that we see today. The house and garden have recently fallen into disrepair but are now being restored by English Heritage. We are being allowed a tour of the house and then will be able to explore the garden.
Members only.
TUESDAY JUNE 3rd PIPEWELL HALL GARDENS, PIPEWELL
In the Middle Ages, Pipewell was the site of a Cistercian monastery. In its place, a house was built in 1625 which partly survives and is Grade 2 listed. It once had a garden with twenty two gardeners. Since then it has suffered neglect. The present owners have lived there for three years and are undertaking a massive renovation of the garden. We will be able to see this historic site at the beginning of their programme. The gardens cover ten acres and include an ice house, water feature, kitchen garden and a series of grass terraces. So far, one thousand new roses have been planted.
TUESDAY JUNE 17th THE MALTINGS, CLIPSTON
Maltings is a garden that has been developed over the last ten years. It covers three quarters of an acre and is a plantsman's garden. It has fifty different clematis, twenty different species of roses, a wild garden walk, two ponds and a bog garden, plus fruit and vegetables.
FRIDAY JUNE 27th SUMMER PARTY AT COTON MANOR.
We are very lucky that we have been invited to Coton Manor by our President for this year's Summer Party. Coton Manor really does not need any introduction and is nationally renowned.
Members only.
SATURDAY JULY 12th DEAN'S GARDEN AND CATHEDRAL PRECINCTS, PETERBOROUGH
The Precincts of the Cathedral form a major historic open space right in the heart of Peterborough. They are, in fact, the grounds of a former monastery, for the Cathedral as such was only created in 15 40. Consequently, the buildings of the former monastery can still be traced and many of them had their own gardens. For a time, part of the Precincts was the local graveyard until a landscaping scheme circa 1800. One of the monastery buildings is now the Deanery and we will be shown this and have tea and then view the garden. Although it is not really a plantsman's garden, it offers much of interest - including the site of Peterborough Castle. We will then explore the rest of the Precincts.
SATURDAY AUGUST 9th ROUSHAM HOUSE.
Rousham House is world famous as one of the most important gardens in the English Landscape tradition. It was laid out by William Kent in 1738 and has survived virtually intact. It is laid out as a walk around a series of specially created effects. There are many splendid small buildings and follies, fine sculpture, water and many seats and vantage points. This really is one of the most important historic gardens in England.
WEDNESDAY SEPTEMBER 24th THE OLD RECTORY, CHURCH LANGTON.
This is a new garden associated with an old rectory. A special feature of the garden is the lighting and this is why we are visiting here late in the season. We will be shown the garden and after refreshments, the lights will be turned on.
WINTER MEETINGS.
THURSDAY OCTOBER 16th A.G.M. AND LECTURE.
JENNIFER MEIR. "SANDERSON MILLER AND HIS LANDSCAPES"
Sanderson Miller (1716-80) was a landscape designer who created a distinctive informal landscape style. Examples of his work may be seen at Wimpole in Cambridgeshire and Hagley in Worcestershire. He is well known for his mock ruined castles and his work may well have influenced Capability Brown.
Jennifer Meir is both historian and designer. She helped found the Warwickshire Gardens Trust and has written a book on Sanderson Miller, so this should be an excellent evening.
WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 12th TWIGS WAY. "AN INCENTIVE TO EARLY MARRIAGE? THE HISTORY OF THE ALLOTMENT."
We all enjoyed Twigs' lecture to us last autumn and so we are delighted she is able to visit us again as we know this will be an interesting evening. She is due to publish a book on allotments for Shire and this lecture will give us insights into this fascinating aspect of Garden History.
Meetings are held in the Low Barn, Hunsbury Hill Centre, Northampton unless otherwise stated.