Early entry RHS Chelsea
Tuesday 19 May – 06.30
The most magical way to go to RHS Chelsea Flower Show is on the first day, starting not long after dawn when the showground is populated only by staff, judges and a few attentive exhibitors watering and tweaking their stands. Enter at half past six, walk round with hardly anyone else there then, when the public begin to be let in, adjourn for a cooked breakfast with a glass of Champagne at a reserved table. Members only. £198 but contact Heather Martin before paying as places are limited.
Bere Mill and Hardy’s nursery
Thursday 28 May 2026
MPG members Rupert and Elizabeth Nabarro have created the gardens at Bere Mill near Whitchurch, Hampshire with Mediterranean and herbaceous borders, irises, tree peonies and magnolias and small arboretums. Rupert will show us round. A light lunch will be provided at a pub, then we’ll go on to Hardy’s Cottage Garden Plants, a leading nursery for plantsmen, all within five minutes’ drive of Bere Mill.
Summer garden tour: southern Gloucestershire
Sunday 28 June – Thursday 2 July 2026
The county of Gloucestershire is rich in interesting private gardens, and also home to many professional plantsmen. On this tour we concentrate on the southern part of the county, much of which lies within the southern Cotswolds. We will be based south-east of Cirencester at the De Vere Cotswold Water Park Hotel, overlooking the wildlife lakes.
Theobalds Farmhouse Enfield EN2 9DY
Thursday 9 July
We are looking forward to visiting this very interesting 2-acre garden in Enfield to discover new developments and enjoy the delightful mix of garden rooms and planting.
The afternoon visit makes for a very enjoyable chance to meet other MPG members and concludes with a homemade cake and tea in the garden around 5pm. £20 pp.
