On arrival we were greeted with a cup of tea or coffee and biscuits, always most welcome.

We then had a talk from Vikki Leedham who is the co-curator at the gallery together with Anthony Paul who is married to Hannah Peschar.   

Vikki was very knowledgeable and enthusiastic and gave us a potted history of the garden informing us of how Anthony landscaped the grounds but Hannah felt something was missing.  Although not an artist, Hannah has a very good eye for sculpture and on a visit to a friend’s gallery saw some sculptures being exhibited outside and this was the inspiration for the garden to become a gallery.

After the talk we were given a free reign to walk around the garden/gallery which takes around an hour and a half to fully appreciate the grounds and all the exhibits displayed.  Below are a few photographs of the some of the 200 or so sculptures very cleverly positioned around the garden.

It was a lovely visit (except for a hail storm and torrential rain which lasted at least half an hour) but we would definitely go back for another visit perhaps as early as next year.

Sall Baring

It is always good to revisit favourite haunts and so it was a pleasure to go to Gatton again.  Gatton has always had a close association with the Society since its early days.  On this visit, the weather was very wet and windy but the landscape was still there for all to see in the glorious colours of autumn. 

The Capability Brown landscape was magnificent with the trees in bold yellows through to reds.  It is hard to believe that this is a largely man-made landscape.

The Japanese Garden was a highlight with a magnificent Bloodgood acer which was so red that it matched the newly replaced bridge. 

Many thanks to Gatton’s guides for giving up their time to show us round the property – and their enthusiasm for the Trust was obvious.

For the first time visitor, Gatton is a revelation.  Some members are already planning to return at a different time of year and in better weather to see it in its full glory.

Stella and Martin Cantor

Members of the Society enjoyed a beautiful morning at Ramster Gardens on Wednesday 14^th October, which started with some welcoming tea and cake.

These gardens in Chiddingfold extend over 25 acres of woodland, glades, a lake and a formal “tennis court” garden and, at this time of year, are a blaze of autumn colours. In particular the wide variety of Acers, planted throughout the gardens, display a rich palette of colours with deep reds and orange framing the pathways.

Huge Gunneras enjoy the moist soils adjacent to watercourses whilst there are plenty of tranquil spots to stop and admire the beauty of the surroundings.

We hope to return in spring when the bluebells, daffodils, rhododendrons and magnolias will be at their magnificent, colourful,  best.

A wonderful gem hidden away in the far south west corner of our county.

Martin and Stella Cantor