This visit to this famous house and garden was a hastily arranged visit due to the last minute cancellation due to flooding of a snowdrop trip at Thenford Arboreteum. None the less, it turned out to be a most enjoyed event for those who could make it. Our trip to Thenford is re-scheduled for next year and you can see details here.

We booked a guided tour of the house (not NT but NT members get a discount), which took us around many of the key rooms and we heard stories about the previous occupants, and the ‘Stoics’ – old boys from Stowe School. It is a beautiful building and our guide was very knowledgeable. Our 45 minute tour extended to about one hour and 15 minutes but it was very interesting and we saw the extra time as a bonus. It was interesting to see an LGBTQ display in the school library.

Following lunch, Bill led us around the impressive Park, passing it’s many iconic monuments created by a succession of garden designers including Charles Bridgeman, William Kent and Capability Brown. It truly is a garden on a grand scale.

As is usually the case with these Garden events, conversation flowed easily as we talk about the plants and garden features we see on our visit. We talk about our own experiences of plants and gardens, and places we have visited or want to see in the future. It is a good way to meet new people and share our enthusiasm for all things horticultural.

We finally bade our farewells, with promises to meet again before long.

Please note that Stowe may be included in our programe for the AOG - details to follow.

Photos credit: Bill, Stephen, Neil

Many thanks to those who joined us.