T + C, March 2019
“Come having seen it on Gardener’s World. Well worth the trip from Yorkshire.”
“Come having seen it on Gardener’s World. Well worth the trip from Yorkshire.”
“Have come from Bucks to Norfolk & popped in to have a brain rest from driving. How lucky am I! The gardens look stunning, an encyclopedia of plant names and the Foggy Bottom conifers come into their own. I shall be back in the summer. Wonderful hidden jewel – no idea it was here! Staggering – literally!””
“Breathtaking – somewhere we should have visited years ago as we only live in Harleston/Weybread. This will be the first of many visits we hope.”
In his new role as President of Norfolk and Norwich Horticultural Society (NNHS), Bressingham Gardens owner Adrian Bloom will be working on the 2019 initiative to reach out to a wider audience with a new, more inclusive mission.
To launch this mission, Adrian will be giving a presentation followed by a forum to discuss the present and future of gardening and horticulture.
The event will take place on the 27th April 2019, 6.30pm, at the John Innes Conference Centre, Norwich and is open to all. Places cost £10 per person, including welcome drinks and an opportunity to engage with local gardening organisations before the talk.
To book, visit the NNHS website.
NNHS was formed in 1829, one of the earliest horticultural societies in Britain. Since then the society has organised yearly shows and garden visits and helped with the education of the general public in gardening.
On his appointment as President, Adrian said: “NNHS have a long history and proud place in horticulture. With primarily volunteer help, the intention of the “Gardening for Everyone” mission is obvious, but it will take time to achieve. However, with support and close cooperation with other horticulturists, keen gardeners and organisations we hope NNHS can act as a catalyst to encourage more people into gardening at all levels.”
LOOKING BACK: THE FOGGY BOTTOM STORY
Adrian Bloom is presenting in a talk some of his own experiences in creating Foggy Bottom, his own 50 year old 6 acre garden, now renowned for year round colour, and featured in books and on many television programmes over the years. Since the garden began in 1967, Adrian has been ‘on trend’ with innovative plantings of conifers and heathers, ornamental grasses and perennials, plant combinations and rivers, as well as the always in vogue: container grown plants. Adrian’s talk will also highlight some of the most reliable plants and will give recommendations, as well as plants for containers.
LOOKING FORWARD: A FORUM ON THE FUTURE OF GARDENING AND HORTICULTURE
A grandiose subject of course, the future is ongoing … How can we inspire?
The benefits of gardening could be briefly described as offering activity for mind and body, include edibles and ornamentals and plants in nature and the wild, as part of the living world of insects, birds and animals, the environment. A potential for lifelong interest, creativity and therapy for all… So why are there fewer gardeners by far than there used to be? Perhaps many reasons – space (or lack of), time, no childhood connection, too many distractions and competition for the consumer’s attention.
So what, if anything, can be done about it? We can’t halt societal changes but gardeners and horticulturists can have a voice. Building needs to be done from the top and the bottom, young and old (…and particularly middle aged!).
Let the debate begin!
“Fabulous house, 4 generations of family had a brilliant time ages 3-90!” – March 2018
“We have had a wonderful Xmas here. Such a treat!” – December 2018
“Thank you for having us. Your gardens are triumphant.” – October 2018
“Beautiful gardens. Love the snowdrops & hellebores & winter colour.”
“Absolutely beautiful gardens, such a keen eye to detail. We enjoy coming to Bressingham.”
“What a lovely place to walk around. Snowdrops look stunning. Well done gardeners.”
“What a beautiful, serene space to enjoy on a glorious February day. A truly uplifting winter walk. Well worth the effort to visit.”
“Amazing garden full of winter flowers. Beautiful sunny day. Bit of Heaven on Earth.”
“Fantastic peaceful walk amongst stunning flowers. Great to see structure of trees. Added bonus – 2 buzzards & 3 butterflies.”
“Stunning. I had no idea the gardens were so extensive and I have membership! Will return again & again.”
“Stunning, inspirational garden. So calm and peaceful. Have wanted to visit for many years, so glad we have now seen it in all its autumnal glory.”
“Wow – so impressive – our 2nd visit this year, coming back at end October to see the autumn colours!”
“Absolutely stunning! Truly a magical garden in the low late summer sunshine. Very special. Thank you.”
“We are visiting England from Louisiana USA. We are gardeners ourselves and have toured gardens around the world – this is one of the most beautiful! Such sweeping views. Masterful, artistic plantings. Thank you so much for your inspiration!”
“Gardens, as usual, are superb! Today enhanced by the beautiful autumn sunshine. Well done to all the gardeners who work so hard to maintain the high standard.”
“Beautiful gardens. So much diversity. A real treat. Thank you.”