HARDY PLANT SOCIETY OF OREGON’S 2019 TOUR Quint[essential] England for Gardeners: The East of England & Thames Valley

JULY 4-15, 2019

Our Quint[essential] England for Gardeners series continues in another region with this tour - the East of England plus the Thames Valley. The East of England is one of nine official districts, comprising the counties of Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, Suffolk, and Essex. To these, we add Oxfordshire, Buckinghamshire, Rutland, and a bit of Lincolnshire. In ancient times, this area was the most populous in England and, as such, it is a land filled with history. Today, it is mostly a rural landscape dotted with market towns, churches, and picturesque villages. It also has one of best areas for viewing wildlife. Join us on this garden-intensive tour as we explore this wonderful part of England. We include visits to famous places such as Blenheim Palace (birthplace of Winston Churchill) and the Queen’s country residence of Sandringham House. We visit fabulous gardens such as Beth Chatto’s Garden and the Old Vicarage of East Ruston - a “bucket list” garden not to be missed! We enjoy lunch and bird watching while cruising on The Broads. We visit some of England’s prettiest villages and cathedrals. We include seaside hotel accommodations. Our summer tour is the perfect time to visit gardens. Please join us as we travel around the East of England and the Thames Valley. The East of England & Thames Valley July 4 - 15, 2019

Day 1 (Thursday, July 4) D Finally, we hit the road again and make our way to Arrive in London at Heathrow Airport and make our 5-star hotel in the small town of Rushton (near your way to our first tour hotel in Windsor. Early Kettering in Lincolnshire) where we will stay for arrivals may wish to book a tour of Windsor the next two nights. Castle or explore the nearby Savill Garden in Great Windsor Park, one of the jewels in Britain’s ornamental garden portfolio. In the evening, join the group at the hotel for our “welcome dinner”. Stay the night in Windsor.

Day 2 (Friday, July 5) - “Through the Thames Valley” B,D Following a hearty breakfast, we depart Windsor and head northwest to Bledlow for our first official garden visits, The Manor House and its adjacent Lyde Gardens. These elegant English gardens were created over many years by the Lord & Lady Blenheim Palace Carrington. After our morning visit, we’ll continue on our journey, stopping next at Blenheim Palace, the birthplace and ancestral home of Winston Churchill. The palace is surrounded by one of the greatest contrived landscapes in Britain (created by Capability Brown) including a 2100-acre park and 100 acres of formal gardens. We will have a guided tour of the palace plus free time for lunch and to explore the walled gardens. After our visit at Blenheim, we’ll head north to a garden on a much smaller scale, Pettifer’s Garden. Here we’ll find a garden filled with rare and unusual plants, collected from all over the world. This garden is full of surprises! Morris dancers

Shown below (left) is the area known as the East of England. (Right) The approximate route of our tour. The East of England & Thames Valley July 4-15, 2019

dimension to our visit. Next, we’ll head back near Stamford to visit one of England’s greatest Tudor houses, Burghley House. Built in the late 1500’s by Queen Elizabeth’s “Lord High Treasurer”, the house is surrounded by vast parkland which includes a “garden of surprises” and sculpture garden. However, the main purpose of our visit is to tour this grand house. In the afternoon, we’ll visit one more historic house and garden at Elton Hall. With its Orangerie Garden, topiary garden, flower garden, and lily pond, Elton Hall is sort of a hybrid between our two earlier visits today. In overall style, it would be considered a more typical Real flamingos English manor garden. at Coton Manor After our main visits for today, we head to the seaside town of Holt where we stay for the next Day 3 (Saturday, July 6) B three nights. Dine as a group this evening. Today we have much less time aboard our bus (or “coach” as they say in England) as we’ll stay fairly Day 5 (Monday, July 8) B,D close to our new home base in Stamford. Our first Our two main visits today involve grand houses garden visit will be to Kelmarsh Hall & Gardens, and gardens, our first stop being at the Queen’s known for its relaxed charm and haphazard country retreat at Sandringham House. If the luxuriance. The cottage garden and herbaceous Queen is not in residence at the time, we will tour borders reach their peak in June and July, and so the first floor rooms/apartments before exploring our timing should be good to see this garden at its the beautiful gardens on the estate. The horse best! Not far from Kelmarsh is Coton Manor stables and the museum on the property also make Garden, a lovely romantic, quintessentially a nice addition to our visit. We have time to grab “English” garden with roses tumbling over brick a light lunch at the cafe at Sandringham House (on walls while chickens and flamingos(!) frolic in the our own). In the afternoon, we head nearby to open areas on the garden’s edge. [This garden was visit the large walled garden and sculpture garden voted as one of the best visits on HPSO’s 2012 at Houghton Hall. Following our visit, we then garden tour.] Rounding out our day is an have a leisurely drive back to Holt, taking in sights afternoon visit to Cottesbrook Hall with its along the coast before reaching our hotel where we slightly more formal garden design. The can relax a bit before joining as a group for dinner. interconnecting walk through garden sections reveals pools and water features, a secret garden, a rose-filled Philosopher’s Garden, and herbaceous borders. Two lakeside walks also are well- designed features of Cottesbrook Hall. Dine on our own this evening. Stay the night in Rushton. Day 4 (Sunday, July 7) - travel to Norfolk B,D We say goodbye to our home base in Rushton as we must make our way to the Norfolk seaside by the end of the day. First, however, our focus is on both gardens and great historic houses. We’ll head to Barnsdale Gardens, originally created by Geoff Hamilton, a television host of BBC’s Gardeners’ World and now maintained by his son. Over the 8-acre site are 38 individual gardens, each with its Sandringham House own style. The adjacent nursery adds another The East of England & Thames Valley July 4-15, 2019

Day 6 (Tuesday, July 9) B,L,D Day 7 (Wednesday, July 10) B Although every day of our tour is special, this one Today we make another “geographical jump”. We is extra special! This morning, we’ll visit one of the leave the Norfolk coast and make our way towards finest gardens in all of England, a garden that the center of the East of England to stay at Bury should be on every gardener’s “bucket list” - the St. Edmonds. We have free time in Norwich, the Old Vicarage at East Ruston. A 20-acre private main city in this part of England where we can garden, the owners now open it on certain days to wander the cobblestone streets in the central the public. But, we have booked a private visit, district, do some shopping, have lunch, and giving us the garden all to ourselves! The garden is perhaps grab some quiet time in the cathedral. divided into “rooms” - large rooms, each with a Before we get to Norwich, however, we’ll try to different theme, filled with great plants. It truly is squeeze in a stop to Blickling Hall for a tour of the quite a marvel. Following our visit here, we head house and to enjoy the grand double herbaceous borders in the parterre garden. In the afternoon, to the Norfolk Broads, a vast and ancient marsh we visit another garden, Bressingham Gardens - considered a national treasure for native British actually two side-by-side gardens - created by the wildlife. Here we’ll enjoy a group lunch as we justly famous British gardeners, Alan Bloom and cruise on one of the river waterways. After our son, Adrian Bloom. This duo created two cruise, we visit one more garden at Hoveton Hall spectacular display gardens, the showcase for their before returning our to seaside hotel for the night. “Blooms of Bressingham” plant introductions to the Dine again as a group this evening. horticulture trade. We then proceed nearby to the quaint town of Bury St. Edmunds where we stay for the next three nights. Dine on our own this Old Vicarage of East Ruston evening. The East of England & Thames Valley July 4-15, 2019

around 600AD. On our return to Bury St. Edmunds, we stop in the picturesque town of Lavenham. Once a thriving town based on the wool industry, it is today still one of the U.K.’s prettiest medieval villages. We have time to explore the shops and half-timbered buildings and perhaps grab afternoon tea. Stay the night in Bury St. Edmunds. Dine on our own this evening.

Day 9 (Friday, July 12) B A bit of an easier pace is on tap for us today. We begin by visiting Fuller’s Mill Garden, “an enchanting and tranquil Bressingham Gardens: An early summer border waterside and woodland (above). One of the many cars in the garden, situated on the banks automobile collection at Bressingham (below). of the River Lark.” Mid-day, we make a short stop at the Cathedral of Ely, towering over the surrounding farmland in an area known as the “fens” (former marshland). In the afternoon, we visit a local vineyard and garden, Wyken Hall & Vineyards. A blend of formal and informal garden styles surround the house with orchards and vines nearby. The rest of the day is free for further exploration in Bury St Edmonds. Dine on our own this evening.

Day 8 (Thursday, July 11) B We take a break from garden-viewing today. Instead, we delve into history with visits to castle ruins, an Anglo-Saxon burial site, and a famous half-timbered town. We begin with a visit to Framlingham Castle, a 900 year old fortress, of which only the walls remain today. [Other, newer buildings are contained within its walls, including a new exhibition room.] We walk the ramparts and get a tremendous view of the countryside. Next, we visit Sutton Hoo, an area dotted with burial mounds. In 1939, archeologists discovered the remains of a funerary ship - probably of a king - in one of the larger mounds. We visit the site and its museum,learning what the populace was like The East of England & Thames Valley July 4-15, 2019

Day 10 (Saturday, July 13) B,L Day 11 (Sunday, July 14) B,D Today we depart Bury St Edmonds and continue On our final full day of our East of England tour, we our clockwise circuit around the East of England. will head back towards London. After a leisurely We have three fantastic (and very different) morning stroll in our seaside town, we depart to visit gardens to visit today. The first garden on our list two more wonderful gardens. First, we see the belongs to Beth Chatto, a famous gardener and Gibberd Garden, an outstanding example of author of garden books. Ms Chatto and twentieth century garden design. Sir Frederick Christopher Lloyd (of Great Dixter fame) were Gibberd was an architect who enjoyed collecting close friends and shared their gardening secrets sculpture and artifacts which he cleverly with the horticulture world primarily in the 1980s incorporated throughout the 9-acre garden. Next, and 1990s. Although her staff do most of the we visit Chenies Manor House & Gardens. Here garden maintenance today, she was seen on the we find an award-winning garden comprised of 2012 HPSO tour still pulling weeds at age 89! “rooms” surrounding the manor - the Sunken She is one of the first gardeners in England to Garden, White Garden, Rose Border, South Border, promote the concept of a “dry” garden, converting Physic Garden, Parterre, and the Kitchen Garden the original parking lot at her nursery into a show with the orchard and Penitential Maze. In the late garden. The afternoon, we arrive at our hotel in Chiswick corresponding other half (London) for our last tour night. In the evening, of her garden has a small we’ll have our farewell dinner at the hotel. lake, surrounded by water-loving plants. Day 12 (Monday, July 15) B Next, we visit Beeleigh Abbey Gardens, actually After breakfast, we say goodbye to our many new a private residence that friends. Transfers will be provided to London’s includes three acres of spacious and peaceful Heathrow international airport for those returning gardens in a historic rural setting with the scenic to the U.S. [Note: For those of us staying on extra backdrop of of the remains of a 12th century days on our own, we may wish to visit the Royal abbey. Our final garden visit today is to one of the Botanic Gardens at Kew, two miles from our hotel.] regional display gardens of the Royal Horticulture Society, Hyde Hall. Located in one of the driest parts of England, this garden has had some major improvements over the past few years under the ownership of the RHS. We will stop in to see how the Australian and New Zealand gardens are progressing as well as to see the new visitor center and other major developments. We then head to our seaside hotel in Southend-on-sea where we stay for one night. The East of England & Thames Valley July 4-15, 2019 Practicalities What’s Included

Our Tour Guide: Gavin Bade East of England tour includes: Gavin Bade will be our tour guide/manager for this - 12 days (11 nights) lodging in 4-star & 5-star hotels tour. Mr Bade has worked extensively with HPSO, having previously led fifteen HPSO tours (including - All breakfasts, 2 lunches and 6 dinners several within the U.K.). Although based in the U.K., - Services of a motor coach (bus) and driver he travels on an annual basis to Italy, France, and - Tour guide (Mr. Gavin Bade) Portugal. He is fluent in three languages and - All gratuities for included meals & services, tour proficient in two more. He has an extensive guide, & driver knowledge of European history and culture, often pulling together bits and pieces to make sense of what - Admission to featured gardens and attractions we learned in school! We are very lucky to have him * * * * * * * * * * * * * * as our tour guide/manager for the East of England Please note: Arrival and departure airfare to/from tour. England is NOT included; participants make their Tour Planner, Administrator, & own way to the starting point in Windsor. Escort: Bruce Wakefield Please refer to the last page for additional items A past HPSO president and our current Office not included Director, Bruce Wakefield, will be the administrative contact and escort for this tour. As an avid gardener, plantsman, and traveler, this will be the 24th tour that Bruce has planned and Price organized. Also an avid photographer, Bruce has Tour over 62,000 photos from the many HPSO tours he East of England has taken. HPSO members have enjoyed many of his photos in the weekly HPSO email/newsletters. Questions? Contact Bruce at: [email protected] The tour is limited and priced to 25 participants. HPSO members only. Tour reservations will be accepted Prices are in Great Britain Pounds (£) as online beginning in mid-March follows (with US$ estimates) for tour only: Online reservation form [As of February 5, 2018, the exchange rate was approx. $1.41 (U.S) to (GBP).] Download the Tour Waiver & Release £1.00 Per Person Sharing a double room Single Rate

GBP £ 2,407 GBP £ 3,087 US$ 3,391 US$ 4,349

In addition to the prices quoted above will be a contribution of $220 to HPSO. Because HPSO is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, your contribution may be tax deductible. Please consult with your tax advisor. Because the tour is priced in GBP but will be invoiced to you in Dollars, the estimated US$ price may change depending on the currency exchange rate at the time when final payment is made to the agent. This tour is specially priced below market rates as a benefit of HPSO membership. The East of England & Thames Valley

Tour Conditions & Other Information

Acceptance of your tour reservation - Tour by last-minute fluctuations in the exchange rate, such reservation requests are processed in the order in overpayment will be refunded to you in a timely which they are received. You will be notified by the manner, or else added features and benefits will be tour escort once your reservation request has been included on the itinerary as compensation. accepted. Conversely, any shortage will be billed on a supplemental invoice. Participants - The tours are designed for a Late payments of installment invoices in excess of 21 minimum number of participants. If the tour does days will be subject to a 10% penalty. If final payment not fill to the minimum, there is a supplemental is not received by the supplier’s deadline, all prior charge per person. If this situation occurs, payments will be forfeited and the reservation registrants will be advised of the change in pricing canceled. and will have the opportunity to reconsider their In addition to the tour price, a $220 contribution to tour application. Please do not book any non- HPSO will be added to your invoice for the main refundable airfare until you have been notified by tour. your tour escort. Payments by credit card - Because this tour is priced Deposit - A $750 deposit is required to hold your at cost, payments by credit card incur a 3.5% service reservation once you have been notified of your charge to cover bank processing fees. acceptance on the tour. Land tour costs included: All hotel nights, meals, and The agent/company for this tour is Pathfinder’s/ visits specified in the itinerary plus a private motor STITA tours of Cheltenham, UK - The Hardy coach and services of a driver, services of a tour guide, Plant Society of Oregon acts only as representative hotel porterage of one piece of luggage per person, for the tour participant with respect to restaurant gratuities for included meals, and gratuities communications with the Agent. for the tour guide and driver. Liability Waiver - The tour participant must submit a signed Liability Waiver & Release to Costs not included - Airfare, items of a personal HPSO within 30 days of acceptance of the tour nature such as wine, alcoholic beverages, soft drinks, milk, etc, with meals, telephone calls, laundry and application. personal services, room service, gratuities for housekeeping/room attendants, etc. This is a non-smoking tour. Smoking is not permitted on the coach or during group meals or Cancellation and refunds - Regardless of the reason, group activities. However, overseas many people cancellations result in a costly process of emails, do smoke, and it is not possible to insure that you letters, toll calls, and faxes, refund checks, extra won’t be exposed to smoke during the tour. bookkeeping expenses, etc., plus often the loss of revenue for the tour company if time doesn’t permit Tour participants must be physically and resale. Cancellations can also affect the per-person mentally fit. price of the entire tour since pricing is dependent on The success of any tour depends on the number of people. To offset the expenses and any each person’s ability to participate and to cooperate nonrefundable deposits and/or lost revenue, the with other tour members and with the tour guide cancellation fee is as follows: and tour escort. At times, this tour is moderately • If the minimum number for the tour has not yet been physically demanding, involving walking at least 5 or reached, then an administrative fee of $50 may be 6 miles over the course of a day. incurred to process a refund. • If the tour is full and if the space is subsequently Travel & Cancellation Insurance - Because filled from a waiting list, then a $100 fee will be unforeseen situations do arise from time to time, incurred. participants are encouraged to consider purchasing • If the tour is full and if the space cannot be filled, travel and/or cancellation insurance. Neither then the entire $750 deposit plus installment HPSO nor Pathfinder’s/STITA tours provides payments made-to-date may be forfeited. This, in travel or cancellation insurance. However, part, may depend on suppliers’ charges and participants will find many third party companies overhead expenses. via the internet that provide this coverage. • If the tour is canceled by HPSO because the minimum number of participants is not reached by The tour is priced in Great Britain Pounds (£). the suppliers’ deadline date, then all money will be However, you will be invoiced in US dollars at the refunded. exchange rate in effect at the time. Payment will be due in two installments. If any overpayment caused