Abbots Langley Gardening Society

February 2011

 

 

What a nice evening. We enjoyed a lovely talk by Lisa Owens about the Wrest Park Revitalisation Project. There’s a mouthful of a title for a talk

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Wrest Park is in Silsoe, near Luton in Beds and is a stylish French-style 18th century mansion built in 1835, the previous house being demolished. The house has had a chequered history including being a military hospital for the First World War and an agricultural research institute.

 

English Heritage is now renovating the whole estate. Much of the house is currently still under renovation and a restaurant is opening for their Grand Launch in August.

 

The gardens, which were inspired by the great gardens of Versailles in France, are open from April 1st and include an Orangery, Italian Garden, French Parterre and a Rose Garden which is currently planned using Davis Austin roses.

 

There are also magnificent statues that date from the 1830s an early 18th century pavilion designed by Thomas Archer - an architectural gem!

 

We were shown photos taken for Country Life Magazine in 1904 and photos of how the same vistas look now. That was very interesting to see what work is being undertaken to return it to its former glory.

 

I suspect there will be an outing organised to visit Wrest Park at some time. Watch this site for details.

 

Wrest Mansion

For details of other trips planned for this year see our travel club page.

 

 

Three dates for your diaries in March:-

11th - when we hold our spring Quiz Night. Prizes for first and last teams !!!

 

17th - our next meeting on “Patio and Courtyard Gardens” by Graham Pavey. Do come to learn how to brighten up that little area of your garden that you don’t know what to do with.

 

26th – Our SPRING SHOW held in Henderson Hall.

 

We are always looking for new members and our meetings are held on the third Thursday of the month in the Manor House Sports and Social Centre so you can have a drink before we start at 8pm. Visitors only £1

 

For more details contact our Secretary, Jane on 01923 447281.

 

 

Pam Cotton J