Garden group holiday fun

LOUGHBOROUGH U3A have had a most enjoyable month of June the highlight being the Garden Group’s four-day holiday based in Colchester and touring Essex and Constable Country.

Following the footsteps of the great artist John Constable we enjoyed the familiar landscapes of this beautiful area.

Travelling on to Woodbridge we had a conducted tour of the 4 storey restored Tide Mill now in full working order.

The Grade I listed gardens wrapped round the double moated Helmingham Hall were spectacular with the peonies and roses borders being at their best.

Another day we explored the inspirational garden created by the author, gardener and lecturer Beth Chatto. The 7.5 acres started off as a wasteland of brambles, boggy ditches and gravel.

Beth’s design and planting shows how you can create a garden out of what you have, and the ‘right plant in the right place’ will grow in dry, boggy or even shady conditions.

The day finished with a tour of the Tiptree Jam museum and a most welcome cup of tea, delicious scone, and of course jam, at their tea room.

There is more to come for the summer months with our interest groups, day trips to Packwood House in Warwickshire and Hughenden Manor in Bucks.

You would be most welcome to come and meet us and find out more at our monthly general meeting to be held on Wednesda, July 18, at 2pm at The United Reformed Church, Frederick Street, Loughborough LE11 3BH.

For more information visit www.loughboroughu3a.org.uk or phone 01509 212415.