Wokingham Horticultural Association

WOKINGHAM Horticultural Association members welcomed Mark Dodd, Head of Gardens at Wellington College, to give

their first talk of 2019 at the Bradbury Centre on Tuesday, January 8.

He illustrated the talk with some superb slides, many of which he had taken himself.

Mark explained that the Wellington College Estate covers just over 400 acres and includes a lake, woodland and heathland as well as the formally planted quad gardens, knot gardens and the 2015 silver gilt garden from Chelsea which was re-created there. In the last four years formal planting has also been introduced on the kilometre – the access road from Duke’s Ride.

There are many interesting and old trees on the Estate and a lot of work has recently gone into preserving 95 ancient Oak trees whose roots were suffering where the ground around them had become compacted. The trees were showing signs of stress.

Visitors to the Estate, part of which is designated as a Site of Special Scientific Interest (SSSI) include the Night Jar, the Dartford Warbler and Wood Lark. Slow worms have been introduced along with over 100 bird boxes in the woodland.

WHA’s next talk will take place at the Bradbury Centre on Tuesday 12 February, 7.45pm, when Ray Broughton, a Senior Lecturer at Sparsholt College, will share hints and tips on the planting and maintenance of hanging baskets and tubs. All are welcome. Entry is £3 to include tea/ coffee and biscuit.

For further information on WHA events, visit www.w-h-a.org.uk