The weather was warm and sunny as we assembled outside the entrance to the Garden Shop and waited for the arrival of our tour guide, Rob Jacobs, the Horticultural Manager. The tour started with us sitting in the amphitheatre listening to Rob as he gave us a most interesting history of the Waterperry estate before setting off round the gardens. Rob was a wonderful guide relating amusing stories about past and present staff, especially the imposing founder of Waterperry Gardens Horticultural School, Beatrix Havergal and Mary Spiller, the first female presenter of BBC Gardeners World. The borders and beds were overflowing with wonderful Autumn flowers and the famous Aster border was at its best. Rob’s knowledge of the gardens and the plants growing in them highlighted his expertise as a gardener and horticulturalist. Lots of jokes, anecdotes and gardening tips made the gardens come alive. A visit to the museum, shops and tea room (lovely cakes and scones) rounded off a most enjoyable afternoon.
