We will meet those coming by train at Bath Spa station at 9.30am and then travel the short distance to Caisson Gardens. Here, the home of Phil and Amanda Honey, built originally for the chief engineer of the Somerset Coal Canal, sits at the head of 15 Bath Stone dry canal locks or ‘caissons’ which run through the 40-acre property creating a sculptural landscape. The couple, who previously created gardens and green settings for film and television have created a sustainable and organic garden from the dilapidated and overgrown template. In the last 12 years, wonderfully eclectic spaces have evolved around the restored Grade II listed house: a mix of herbaceous borders, topiaries, ponds and rills, a walled garden with fruit trees, greenhouses, flower and vegetable beds, surrounded by wildflower meadows with a great variety of species and biodiversity, including native orchids. We are very fortunate that Phil and Amanda will be giving us a talk about their vision over coffee and cake. Phil is a fount of knowledge about Caisson and its canal and is passionate about biodiversity and wildlife. Amanda designed and created the garden as it is today and is an expert on organic, regenerative gardening and soil health. They will also be joined by head gardener, Tristan to answer all your questions before you meander through the gardens at your own pace. Please note that Caisson Gardens are situated on a hillside with uneven paths, potentially challenging to those with mobility issues. It is not suitable for wheelchair access.
After lunch in a charming pub at the nearby village of Combe Hay, we will venture into South Gloucestershire to see the elegant, private garden of The Old Rectory in the village of Doynton. While building a successful multi-national business, the owners found solace and respite in creating a series of contrasting and architectural garden rooms with carefully chosen artefacts and layered planting. Under the guiding hand of renowned garden designer, Iain Macdonald, a ‘slightly crumbling setting’ was transformed in a series of projects. A stylish front garden to set off the classic Georgian façade, a walled garden, a bordered croquet lawn, a canal, rose walk, astrological garden, greenhouse and vegetable garden now surround the rectory. There is also a very clever and carefully hidden indoor swimming pool. We are delighted that estate manager, Darren Perkins, will be on hand to show us around this quintessentially English creation where we will enjoy tea and homemade cakes. This private garden has rustic uneven paths and water features.
Our minibuses will return to Bath Station at approximately 5pm.
Please meet at Bath Spa train station at 9:30am.
