Ten members of Wythall WI visited a garden in Martin Hussingtree near Droitwich on a hot day in July. We were met at the garden gate by David and Sarah who own and maintain this beautiful garden on their own. We were also joined by Poppy & Maisie the family dogs who followed us all round the garden.
The two acre site is divided and planted into different styles. The border area was mainly Sarah's idea and looked splendid dispite the very hot weather that we had endured during the previous weeks. It followed into a sculpture area with magnificent scultures stylised into giant flowers and a seating area with a fire burner globe designed as a woodland with witches stirring their cauldron and their cats looking on.
The white garden was next which was very peaceful and then onto a courtyard area containing three olive trees. There was also a 'fairytale' area, a Japanese tea house with appropriate planting, a vegetable garden with necessary greenhouse and even a 'look out platform' overlooking a sea of flowers. Finally back to the 'surf shack' with boat and pond.
We did not want the trail round this lovely garden to end but we were welcomed back to the house with tea and cake.
A splendid visit with an extremely friendly and knowledge couple to guide us round their garden and answer all our questions.
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The Arboretum is an evolving, maturing woodland landscape featuring 30,000 trees and a vast collection of memorials. The 150-acre site is a living, growing tribute to those who have served and continue to serve our country.
It was the warmest day of the year so far at 29-30 degrees and the sky was a clear blue with not a cloud. (see slideshow photos).
We arrived at the venue just before lunchtime but needed a drink in the wonderful restaurant situated in the visitors centre.
Some of the group decided to walk but others used the 'land train' which for a small fee takes you around the aboretum with commentary on the individuals memorials.
There is a sense of serenity and emotional intensity that takes over you at the aboretum. A very special place.
Despite the heat we all thoughly enjoyed our visit. The majority of our group had been several times before but there is always something different to see.
A very special place
The National Memorial Arboretum is the UK's year-round national site of remembrance at Alrewas, near Lichfield, Staffordshire, United Kingdom. It is a spiritually uplifting place which honours the fallen, recognises service and sacrifice, and fosters pride in the UK's Armed Forces and civilian community.
In 2017, after undergoing a large scale regeneration project, the Arboretum's new award-winning Remembrance Centre was officially opened by HRH The Duke of Cambridge on 23 March. Featuring three new exhibition galleries, larger restaurant and shop, separate coffee shop and a beautiful cloistered courtyard with garden, it provides visitors with facilities fitting that of a large scale visitor attraction.
In 2018 the National Memorial Arboretum was awarded Gold Large Visitor Attraction of the Year in VisitEngland's Awards for Excellence, as well as Coach Friendly Attraction of the Year in the British Coach Tourism Awards.
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Above: On the edge of one of the well dressings the Derbyshire Fed-erationWI centenary was depicted as well as 'Votes for Women'
We made an early start from Wythall to catch our coach. There were 21 in our party including 6 from Dickens & Foreshaw Heath WI. As we had booked on the coach company's day trip to Tissington, it meant we had a few pick ups before setting off to Derbyshire and the traffic was particularly heavy.
Our first stop was Ashbourne where we could visit the market, have some refreshment and have a look around the town. However we were disappointed to find that there were only three stalls in the market.
It was mentioned to the driver on arriving back at the coach!! Then onto Tissington. The weather was glorious as we made our way round the village which was decorated beautifully. Even the small methodist church was dressed with bluebells. There was a video to view in the main church on how the floral decorations for the wells are made and plenty of opportunities to eat and drink. Even stalls supporting the local charities. Some of us had the opportunity to speak with Sir Richard of Tissington who was helping out in the cafe. A wonderful day and certainly one to recommended.
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