Hampton Court and RHS Wisely

In which we wheek through history and are gobsmacked by RHS Wisely.

The hotel was apparently the site of the GMC exams today so we saw attendees swotting on the steps of the conference centre starting at 7:30… there was a big crowd by 8 a.m.

8:45 gathering for our group for departure and arrive at 10 a.m. sharp at Hampton Court for a quick 2 hour tour of the gardens. Or the palace, whichever was our preference. Most of us chose the gardens, and visited formal gardens, a huge grapevine, rose garden with a pleasant chat with one of the gardeners, and walled kitchen gardens. Aphids are indeed a huge problem these days, and many gardeners have apparently had to uproot their roses and start again, and another pest is making headway on oak trees. A moth suspected of emigrating from France is attacking these, a big problem in the UK with their oak tree numbers, so spraying devices that can spray pesticide from underneath have been developed. It won’t be able to treat a fraction of the trees in the wild so hard times ahead…

inner courtyard

formal gardens

fountains and gravel

the gardener hard at work

I’m unlikely to ever get my lettuce so beautifully planted!

love these metal obelisks! Great climbing material for clematis

Hampton court palace was actually a small village with all the court folk…

Back on the bus to RHS Wisely, the flagship of the RHS gardens. I’m gobsmacked that I haven’t ever visited here, after a day of admiring its wonders. We walked about 10 km and didn’t see half of it, but were awed by over half of its sights (does that sound like Frodo at his birthday party?).

Where to start?

camus lilies wild throughout the 360 acres

wisteria tunnel – just a little past its best

White wisteria still impressive!

Rose gardens – of course…

espalier roses on the wall garden

exotic garden

water lilies near the entrance

summerhouse in the rhodo gardens

bell rhodos

pink rhodos

near the horticultural school

everywhere the landscaping was just fabulous; this tree planter was surrounded by microclover and the waves of the rings blended in beautifullly with the surroundings

The world food garden was filled with fascinating veggies, and interspersed with tables for people to dine. The flow of the garden was amazing, yet each section was distinct.

It was quite warm by this point, and sunscreen was reapplied…

Here is an interesting option for those raspberries!

the wildlife garden featured, amongst other things, a goose roosting on the roof of the shed…

Round every corner there was something interesting. We made our way to the Piet Oudolf reworked border – in its second year

In its original form it sported straight lines, and diagonal mass plantings. Personally, I prefer the curves but it’s not unanimous.

There will be something for every season

the bees just loved the purple flowers…

Next the rock gardens, and we stumbled on the pitcher plants on the way

all looking very happy and ready for prey…

All way more exotic than our natives which are inconspicuously green!

Rock garden, candleabra primulas

Alison in the rock garden

rock garden waterfall

One of my favourite parts was the alpine glass houses

Outside there were slat gadens with specimens

Chamaceyparis alpine version

different slat size

Outside the glass house

And who couldn’t smile at these down by the glass house?

What a spectacular garden. We agreed that we ended with a bang. Interesting gift shop, then a trip through road works and rush hour back to the hotel (glad I wasn’t driving!). A quick change then out for a final dinner before we all disperse tomorrow.

Overall thoughts on the tour – amazing gardens. Would have been better with an actual garden guide. Logistics well worked out, local guides and bus drivers were excellent. Long enough, we are TIRED and my bones ache from the walking. But, great variety and we were soooo lucky with the weather…

On to more adventures tomorrow!