Today is my chilling out day before travelling onto our next adventure starting tomorrow from Luton Airport to Sofia,Bulgaria.
The sunny weather continues here in London . I have been down the high street in Stroud Green to pick up cardboard boxes for Lou and some bits and pieces needed for the trip . Can you believe that I left the data card out of my camera behind,no wonder I could not take photos of Mottisfont!Dumb!
My washing is done and I am half way through packing for the walk so enjoying my leisure time.
The Heritage Rose Conference was better than expected as people were friendly and I made some new contacts in the rose world during coffee breaks and bus rides to see the gardens . I had to keep my ignorance in check so listened and learned from the experts, many had nurseries or were responsible for public plantings in their country of origin.
The day at Mottisfont was everything I had hoped for . We were put into 4 groups and allocated a team leader from the gardening crew who took us around and explained the workings of the garden and the history of it.
David,the head gardener explained how the garden came about and how he had developed it over his stewardship,he is an impressive man and we'll loved by his team of gardeners .He also gave us an insight into the work of Graham Thomas who established the original rose garden and for whom the conference was named for. I had no idea so much went on behind the scenes and that politics played a role in gardeners lives as well as other occupations . A fascinating insight into the back door so to speak . The car park development and the use of modern design were contentious issues.
Joan took us around the enclosure garden and explained the companion plantings and the thinking behind some of the choices and options taken,followed by a tour of the estate beyond the walled gardens down to the main house and grounds by another senior gardener . The magnificent trees on the estate are under his care and we were introduced to one of the top ten trees on the national registrar of oldest trees . We also saw the original spring which gives the Priory it's name and checked out the mosaic angel and the features of the building.
Then Johnny Bass took us for a tour of the walled garden climbers and ramblers and explained their care and conservation . Lots of features for climbers to grow on and the variety was impressive.
We had a marque for our meals although many of us ate outside under the trees as it was very hot,about 28 degrees so very warm.
We also had time to explore the house and garden after the tours finished so I took a look through the art display at the house . Graham Thomas was also an artist of note so some of his work was on display along with the original collection of the Russells and some recent work from artists in residence . I explored the shop and spent time sitting in the main garden and smelling the roses . The perfume was everywhere although there were complaints recently that the didn't us scent was invasive!and spoilt the experience,could not see it myself as it was a mix of all the fragrances around me.
It was about six before the bus was loaded up and we returned to the hotel for a well earned rest . Great training for Bulgaria as we walked for hours in the heat . Thank goodness for my brolly.
My only disappointment was that I did not get to see Stockbridge,we drove to Romney because of the low bridges but same lovely countryside to enjoy.
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