Beth Chatto Gardens and the Gardens of East Anglia

Date: Friday, 9th - Monday, 12th July, 2010

Cost: €535 per person sharing

IN ASSOCIATION WITH THE IRISH GARDEN MAGAZINE

Itinerary:

Beth Chatto’s name is synonymous with gardening, renowned for her innovative approach to both dry and damp areas, her numerous achievements including gold medals for her Chelsea Flower Show gardens and principally for her superb garden in East Anglia which celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2010. We are based in Norwich on this tour, close to the magnificent Cathedral and enjoy the wonderful scenery of the area as we travel to the various gardens. www.bethchatto.co.uk

Friday 9th July
Meet Frances MacDonald at Dublin Airport for morning flight to Stanstead. Private coach to the Beth Chatto Garden, with its dry and damp areas, woodland and gravel garden, this is one of the most influential gardens in England. Her ecological approach is inspiring and educational; there is also a comprehensive nursery. We transfer to our hotel in Norwich.
We are based in the historic and newly refurbished Maid’s Head hotel situated near the cathedral.
Dine together as a group in hotel. www.foliohotels.com/maidshead/

Saturday, 10th July
A full day of gardens, starting with the Exotic Garden, a fantasy of foliage and flowers created in a sheltered south-facing plot where the cultivation of tender species is tested to the limit. Next Hoveton Hall Gardens, surrounded by water gardens and woodland walks is a picturesque walled garden and kitchen garden. Our final garden is the wonderful, East Ruston Old Vicarage regarded as the best modern classic garden in England. Amid a framework of walls and hedges, are a series of gardens, each individual in character but all superbly planted.
Free evening to explore the local restaurants all within walking distance.

Sunday, 11th July
Our morning visit is to an enchanting private two acre garden, The Old Cottage which has all the ingredients for a perfect small and manageable garden. Then on to Blickling Hall. Adjoining a beautiful Jacobean mansion, the gardens are a panorama of gardening history from the 17th to the 20th century. Dine together as a group in hotel.

Monday, 12th July
Free morning to shop or visit the magnificent cathedral and close.
Depart at noon for Bressingham Gardens – 14 acres of glorious gardens, including Alan Bloom’s magical Dell Garden and Adrian Bloom’s ‘Foggy Bottom’ garden. Excellent plant centre and restaurant.
Transfer to Stanstead for return flight arriving in Dublin at 20.50.

Frances MacDonald, a qualified and experienced gardener and guide, escorts this tour. She will be available at all times to help and advise you.

Further details from: Frances MacDonald (tours@thebaygarden.com)

Cost includes flights, private coach transfers, all garden entrance fees and bed, breakfast, and dinners where mentioned in the hotel.

COST: €535.00 per person sharing

Single Supplement: €75.00

Deposit: €200.00 – Payable to Bay Garden Tours.

Itinerary subject to change