Eastern England suggestions

[Casalima]

I will be in the UK in August, based in North London, and hope to take some trips into "Eastern England" - Essex, East Anglia, Cambridgeshire - areas I've hardly ever visited. Any suggestions for gardens and nurseries? I only really have Beth Chatto on my definite list. And also any particularly nice historical/agricultural places to visit with 10/13 year old children? Most grateful for any suggestions!

[mark smyth]

Beeches Nursery near Saffron Waldren

[mark smyth]

What dates are you in England? You would be able to pick up good and unusual bulbs at the Mid Angli bulb sale on the 22nd

[Giles]

Anglesey Abbey (Dahlias), Audley End (Historic House), Peter Beales Roses, Blickling Hall (Historic House), Cambridge University Botanic Garden, Felbrigg Hall (National Collection of Colchicums, Historic House, Walled Garden), Hatfield House (Historic House and Garden), Helmingham Hall (Historic House and Garden), Ickworth (National Collection of Buxus, Historic House and Garden), Hyde Hall (RHS), Oxburgh Hall (Moated House, Historic Garden), Old Vicarage Garden, East Ruston (mind boggling garden), Sheringham Park (Repton Landscape), Somerleyton Hall (Historic House and Garden).
...get googling 

[Gail]

I think Giles' list will keep you busy but might add Bressingham Gardens in Norfolk - the gardens for you but steam engine rides for the children. http://www.bressinghamgardens.com/  They may enjoy Easton Farm Park where you can see examples of the local Suffolk Punch horses http://www.eastonfarmpark.co.uk/ (and the village of Easton has a lovely example of a crinkle crankle wall http://www.history.org.uk/resources/general_resource_2534_74.html ).  Helmingham Hall is really worthwhile - the most beautiful fairy tale moated house, good herbaceous borders and masses of mistletoe in the orchard. http://www.helmingham.com/

[David Nicholson]

Chloe, if you get that far East Norwich Castle is interesting and I think the kids would like it. I second Giles on East Rushton Garden and if you have time Blacksmith's Cottage Nursery have some very good quality plants and not expensive too. Not alpines but a good range of other stuff. http://www.uk.gardenweb.com/directory/bcn/

[Casalima]

Thank you Mark, Giles, Gail and David!
The bulb sale would be wonderful - I might well still be around on the 22nd. Does one have to be an AGS member? I have been, but my membership has lapsed ...
I've been happily spending the day googling instead of working
The crinkle crankle walls are stunning!!
I see that Hyde Hall has a three-day plant fair, 13­-15 August - but not much information available at the moment.
Maybe I should have added Hertfordshire and even Bedfordshire to my list of counties ...
And I'll probably need a holiday from my holiday when I get back home!!

[mark smyth]

The bulb sale would be wonderful - I might well still be around on the 22nd. Does one have to be an AGS member?

Anyone can attend. It opens are either 1 or 2 pm. A handful or more forum members attend

[Gail]

The bulb sale would be wonderful - I might well still be around on the 22nd. Does one have to be an AGS member?

Anyone can attend. It opens are either 1 or 2 pm. A handful or more forum members attend

2pm according to the Mid-Anglia Group newsletter;
In the garden of Ruth and Alan Jones, Park House, Park Road, Rivenhall, Witham CM8 3PS

"There is lots of space so bring friends and fellow plant enthusiasts"