On the morning of 23 October a group gathered at the entrance of the Sir Harold Hillier Garden for a guided tour. Led by three members of staff, the tour took us through the Winter Garden, the National Collection Glade, the Himalayan Valley, and finally the Centenary Border. The colours of the foliage at this time of year was spectacular, particularity when looking towards the Lower Meadow and then across to the Pond and Bog Garden. As we went through the Garden, various significant plants and trees were pointed out, including the Dawn Redwood. The leaf of this deciduous conifer is the logo for the Hillier Gardens. The Dawn Redwood was only discovered in a small valley in China in 1940. Seed from that first sighting was grown on in the UK and the tree we saw was grown from one of those seeds.

After the cancellation of last years tour due to high winds, this year’s the group was rewarded with knowledgeable guides and the gardens at their Autumnal best. Thanks to Sue Keith for making the arrangements.

Below are a few photographs of the visit.