The sun shone as we drove along narrow lanes and over a quaint old stone bridge to reach an idyllic riverside car park next to the gardens. Some early birds first visited the café before we gathered to enter the gardens.

It was lovely to greet familiar faces and welcome new ones.  There was a brief introduction about the gardens and its famous designer, Harold Peto, who lived at Iford from 1899-1933. He is described as a man of exquisite taste, with a talent for placing objects sympathetically to their surroundings. He was unmarried and his trademark of creating secluded, intimate Italianate gardens is often interpreted as meeting a need to provide necessary retreats for private entertaining.

We broke off into smaller groups and wandered at leisure to explore the beautiful gardens. There was lots of banter and friendly chat as we admired both the hard and soft landscaping. Wisteria was at it's best but there was lots of other horticultural delights to enjoy too.  The current owners have done a fantastic job of being sympathetic to Peto’s original design and there was joy to behold at every turn. The location, on a south facing hillside, overlooking a lush green valley, enhanced the garden’s potential greatly.

The most satisfying element, for me, was seeing people, many who had just met for the first time, being comfortable in each other’s company, talking in a relaxed and easy way.

A very important part, arguably the most important part, of any visit, is the gathering in the café for refreshments. We sat as a group of friends, talking about all sorts, sharing thoughts and enjoying just being a part of a shared experience.

All too soon, the time came for us to reluctantly say our goodbyes, with some making plans for future meet ups. A few of us returned to the gardens, to explore further, whilst others went to visit a nearby plant nursery and others to see a National Trust property a few miles away.

It was a truly lovely day. A big thank you to Peter B who recommended it.

Photo credits: Peter B & Neil