Bolesworth Castle Gardens open for NGS 10 & 11 May   Mrs Barbour has asked us to publicise the NGS Open Days at the Castle 10 & 11 May.    As you know, this is in aid of the various charities supported by the NGS.  If the weather's good, there should be a lovely show of rhododendrons (pic below) plus there are refreshments.   The Rock Walk, which stretches for half a mile above the castle, offers stunning views across the Welsh Hills and Liverpool. Originally planted by Anthony Barbour in 1986, the collection has since been expanded with many new camellias, rhododendrons, azaleas, and other spring plants.   New paths have been created, and original stone features have been restored. The visit will take you up the Bridge Walk before climbing up to The Rock Walk, continuing through the castle gardens, and rounding the lake.   A single loop will see you reach 10,000 steps!   Children aged 12 and above are welcome, as are well-behaved dogs on leads (please pick up after them). Please note we regret this garden is not accessible to wheelchairs or buggies.   The Lost Barn Coffee Roasters will be onsite, selling soup, tea, coffee, and cake. Further information (including directions) at https://bolesworth.com/national-garden-scheme/ What3Words address:  ///standing.proved.emotional    

Zdenek Valkoun, Head Gardener, Dorothy Clive Garden

Don Whitton, National Collection Holder

Following on from the inspiring talk we had in February on the 'Year Round Garden' from Kathryn Robey, Curator Director of the Dorothy Clive garden, we have arranged a visit to see the gardens first hand. The visit will cost £11 per person, which covers garden entry. In addition, we have arranged a guided tour of the gardens from a member of the Dorothy Clive staff, the cost of which is being paid from our Society funds. There are limited spaces on the guided tour and we need to give details of numbers attending by the beginning of June, therefore there is a deadline for booking tickets of Monday 2nd June.  Places will not be reserved without payment. Tickets To buy a ticket, please do a bank transfer to our usual account, details below, and send an email to the society e-mail address (see banner at top of website) confirming the following: how many tickets you want;  the name(s) of the people they are for; and  how many cars your party will be bringing.   If you'll be sharing transport with someone else who is going to book their ticket separately, please just make it clear what's happening between all of you.  Tattenhall Gardening Society Account    70882720 Sort code  20-25-69    Gift Aid The gardens can claim back tax under the Gift Aid scheme on the cost of your ticket. If you are a UK taxpayer, we will have a sheet available for you to sign (if you're eligible and you wish to).  We'll circulate it after we've arrived and before the guided tour.   Transport This is a self-drive visit and car-sharing is encouraged.  We have to let the gardens know how many cars will be arriving, so please let us know your car-share arrangements when you book your ticket.  We should aim to be at the gardens by 10.00 & the tour is booked for 10.30, to allow you time to 'use the facilities' if you wish, in case of holdups on the way and so we can pass round the Gift Aid form.   If you do not have transport, please let us know asap so we can make arrangements for you.     Catering We have not booked coffee, lunch or group use of the pavilion.  There is a cafe which offers tea & cake, light lunches, etc, or you can BYO - or go to Bridgemere, see below.   Later on After the tour you are free to enjoy the DC gardens at your leisure (they close at 17.00) or you may want to travel on to Bridgemere Gardens which is about 15 minutes away and more or less on the way home.  Anyone who is a RHS member can get into the show gardens for free - but only the first named person if it's a joint membership.  Don't forget to take your card.  For RHS 2nd members or non-members it's £8.  No charge for the garden centre, obviously. I think by the time of our visit they should have 8 ex-Chelsea show gardens to see as they're installing another one in May, plus about another 7 or 8 other show gardens they've installed previously.

Mo Sawyer   Mo speaks on many topics, but we've asked her to talk about 'The making of a shade garden' as most gardens will have at least one area where shade is perceived as a problem. 7.30pm for a 7.45pm start,  Free for members, £3 on the door if not a member.  Tea, Coffee and biscuits available N.B Membership fees Membership fees are now due and you can pay Joanna at our first meeting (cheque or cash), or by bank transfer - £14 single/ £20 joint.