AFTER a very wet day 11 members ventured out to Spetchley Park for a guided tour of the magnificent grounds. It didn’t rain that evening and the Park with its very mature trees looked lovely in the wet and the evening light. We were welcomed by Miss Berkeley a very sprightly octogenarian who gave us a brief talk about the House and Parkland. She entertained us with her tales of when Spetchley was occupied by American servicemen during the Second World War, not forgetting the important part the house may have needed to play if England were invaded. Our guide Vicky gave us an enjoyable tour taking us through the grounds immediately by the big house. With the late spring there were still some daffodils in flower. Spetchley is known for its daffodil species. The Tree Peonies had started to flower and the herbaceous borders showed us what was to come. Many unusual plants not normally seen. These were planted by Ellen Willmott, sister of Rose Berkeley, and a wonderful plantswoman. The walled garden is shaped as a Trapezium, long south wall with a shorter north wall to catch as much warmth and sun as possible. The Victorian Glasshouse was specially shaped to allow water to run down the glass without causing the wooden structure to rot. The garden promises to be even better in the coming months. The Anglican Church houses the Berkeley ancestors and was well worth a visit. We all agreed we would be returning soon to enjoy the Irises, Roses and herbaceous border.

JOHN AND SUE CLARKE