It was a reasonable morning as 44 of us left Risborough on time for a 2 hour journey to Birmingham, with fingers crossed the weather would hold for us. We had a very good journey until we hit a protracted band of ‘cats and dogs’ between Warwick and Birmingham. But, how lucky were we, arriving at Winterbourne just before our allocated time the sun was out and dried up the gardens for us. And what a garden!
Our first port of call was the exuberantly planted, quartered Walled Garden…no room here for weeds. A profusion of Teucrium surrounding the central dipping pool was smothered in bumblebees.
This area led into a series of small greenhouses, Gilbert’s Orchid House, originally built to hold flora for the British Antarctic Survey, Carnivorous Plant House with hungry looking pitcher plants, Arid House with some nasty looking spiny cacti just waiting for a stumble and an Alpine House. Continuing through tree and shrub areas and passing a sunken rock garden , bravely tended by a lady gardener, we came to the small Japanese Bridge. Crossing the bridge took us on a circuitous route by boardwalk through a wet area with a humid, jungle feel. A Continus tree (Smoke tree) was in full ‘smoke’ and covered with pearly drops of rain caught in intermittent sunlight. Lovely. There were Monet-esque views back to the Japanese Bridge and enormous Gunnera planted by Nicholson in the 1920/30s which covered the banks. Any moment a Diplodocus might have have swung its neck along the Gunnera for a lunchtime snack!
As the stream disappeared out of the property we walked back through the small Rock Garden where Nicholson’s ashes were scattered , across the main lawn towards the Long Border, Lime Walk and Terrace which gave us stunning views of the Arts and Crafts House built by John Nettlefold in 1903. The Coade Fountain is now seriously eroded but once had four tiers. A number of different grasses had been planted around it representing water falling from the fountain….very clever. Unfortunately I didn’t have time to explore the House or Printing Press Collection but what a Jewel of a garden in the University Quarter of the City.
Birmingham Botanic Gardens were next on our list. The Palm House entrance led into a tropical Lily House with the huge lily pads of Victoria amazonica and Lotus flowers (reminiscent of Kew Gardens) before exiting into a semi-tropical area. The Japanese Garden was small and contained The National Collection of Bonsai, behind locked bars. The Terrace Borders were well planted and led to a very large lawn, with a Rose Garden at its far end framing a very large events marquee/tent. Late in the season but many of the roses were enjoying a further flush. By now the Gardens were showing signs of neglect and the effects of drought so we wandered back through the Children’s Play areas towards the café.
Everyone agreed Winterbourne was a little treasure but the Botanic Gardens need more labour and cash input.
The journey home was eventful….we passed through the band of ‘cats and dogs’ again, this time with sound (thunder) and a light show (lightning) . On the Thame to Risborough Road a car 2 cars in front of the coach veered off the road, hit a metal signpost and did a 90 degree turn in front of us. Why?? It was a complete write off but the driver was ok. Our driver Michael got the broom out of the coach locker, swept the debris to the side, the car in front moved over and on we went! He is very calm and collected, well done Michael. Coming along Longwick something hit the coach above the driver’s head with a mighty bang. I thought it was a brick but it was an unfortunate pigeon. It was good to finally reach Risborough without further catastrophe. A lovely but eventful day…..and only just a bit nerve- wracking! Carole Barfoot
