Raveningham Gardens

The weekend was HOT, skies were blue and Wildflower Club members out in force to wander through Raveningham Hall Gardens near Loddon. After a meet and greet from head gardener Carol we were taken by beekeeper Paul to see the hives in the woodland area, where he chatted to us about the bees of Raveningham; the ones in hives and those wild in old trees, as well as being a beekeeper in general. After many questions we separated and took a little time to admire the gardens before meeting back at the tea hut for a slice of cake and a drink in the shade of parasols alongside the lawns.

After distribution of this month’s inspirational quote on a card, we dispersed again to see even more of the gardens. A vibrant collection of agapanthus took centre stage in one garden, the walled garden provided moments of jealousy with espaliered fruit trees, the Victorian greenhouse smelled divine with peaches and grapes almost ripe for picking. I took time to chat with members, admiring the vibrant pollinator friendly spaces around the house, before taking myself off on a walk through the meadow where the only sounds were birds chirping and insects humming, I then went to the stumpery and felt like I was stepping into Jurassic Park with ferns well above my head. A spot of peaceful contemplation by the pond before heading back for a final peek at the beehives and home - three hours after arriving, the temptation to continue to explore was strong but doggos at home required me to return!

This was our third outing of the club and we had 21 people join the expedition! It was wonderful to see faces that are starting to become familiar, along with new faces from new members and some pay as you go visitors too.