Date: Wednesday 20th June 2018
This year’s outing was a visit to Mottisfont House and Garden (NT) in the morning and then, after lunch, to West Green House Garden (NT).
Mottisfont Abbey
The weather was kind, offering a dry cooling wind. Mottisfont Abbey, with its 900 years of history, is set in beautiful undulating grounds sweeping gracefully down to the River Test where trout were spotted swimming in the clear waters.
The long history of the Abbey’s metamorphosis from religious building through various period buildings was illustrated in a number of story boards displayed in the building. In spite of many changes it still retains the feeling of a religious building. The crowning glory was the old rose garden. Although the flowers were past their very best we still gained a good impression of their beauty and quality.
West Park Garden
West Park Garden was a lovely contrast. The two large lakes in wooded surroundings gave a feeling of peace and tranquility. The impressive walled garden was a profusion of vegetables, flowers and perennials. The design incorporated a number of imaginative features; the geometric raised beds with their unusual wicker-work sides blended in well and gave the garden a rustic feel.
