A full house of members and guests were in attendance to learn more about Coton Manor Garden set in the peaceful Northamptonshire countryside which was visited last year by many members on one of our organised coach outings.

The ten acre garden was originally created almost a hundred years ago by the grandparents of the present owners.

Our speaker, Caroline Tait the Nursery Manager of Coton Manor provided a colourful and informative presentation of the gardens and how they have evolved over the years using knowledge passed down through the generations of the family.

The presentation showed the  changing landscapes and colours of the gardens throughout the year from deep mid winter to glorious summer sunshine.

Beyond the gardens there is a 5 acre magical bluebell wood plus a wildflower meadow which has been used over the years by BBC TV on screen idents between programmes.

Over a thousand varieties of plants seen in the garden are propagated by Caroline and her team every year to maintain colour and interest and variety through the seasons in the luxuriant borders and beyond. Many are unusual and not easily found elsewhere.

Throughout the year Coton Manor offers a series of one day courses and talks featuring well known gardeners and designers including Chris Beardshaw, Fergus Garrett, James Alexander-Sinclair and Robin Lane-Fox to name but a few!

This year the Garden and the Nursery are open from 1st April to the end of September Tuesdays to Saturdays. For further information go to their website http://www.cotonmanor.co.uk