Coach Trip 2014

On Saturday 16 April 2014, 48 members and friends from the Society took a coach trip to RHS Hyde Hall near Chelmsford. The forecast had led us to fear a drizzly day but it stayed fine until we were on our return home. Hyde Hall is perched on a highpoint in the Essex countryside. It is a 360 acre site with low rainfall, blustery conditions and challenging soil. The gardens were in excellent condition with the tulips still in flower, some camellias and rhododendrons.
 
The weekend of our visit coincided with the Spring Plant Fair.There was an informal arrangement of benches and gazebos along the main path from the Visitor Centre where local plant growers were selling their summer plants. Many of us were tempted to carry away some new treasures for our gardens and our driver packed them carefully into the boot of the coach.
 
Our coach trips are still proving popular, with this one sold out over a month in advance. It was interesting to try a different venue as we have only visited RHS Wisley in previous years. I look forward to hearing which garden the Society would like to visit on the next trip.