Departure from Stanborough Green, Welwyn Garden City 9.00am

Our first visit is to the Old Rectory at Quinton. This is a beautiful contemporary garden of 3 acres designed by multi-award winning designer, Anoushka Feiler. Throughout the garden there are associations with its 18th century ecclesiastical origins: parterres, topiary and long walks, contrasting with 21st century features: modern materials, new planting methods and abstract installations.
Sadly, the Old Rectory cannot provide refreshment, but have suggested that members may like to bring their own flasks of coffee and sit in the garden. A two-course lunch will be taken at the Boat Inn, Stoke Bruern. Our afternoon visit is to the Menagerie Garden at Horton. The Grade II* listed mid-18th century house, built as a folly for the 2nd Earl Halifax, was rescued from dereliction in 1972 by Gervase Jackson-Stops. Jackson-Stops and successive generations of owners have created a remarkable Rococo Revival garden around the house, complete with thatched arbours, a shell grotto featuring Orpheus-in-the-Underworld, and elegant planting within its formal layout. We shall be offered tea and cake before we leave.

Reservation and payment for places on this garden visit should be made to Mrs Sonja Fillingham, using the flyer below:
Flyer for Garden Visits 2019