The Surrey Garden Trust Summer Party at West Horsley Place on a sunny August afternoon was a highlight of the summer amongst a busy programme of garden visits. Fascinating insights are included in this newsletter along side accounts of work and projects bringing delight behind the scenes.

Fantastic news from our Schools Committee of another extraordinary take up of our Schools Awards and cheery accounts from our Spring garden visits have promoted a May Update Newsletter. There is also news of upcoming events and visits and full details of the special Gilpin Celebration.

Our Spring newsletter is full of dates for the diary as we plan the year ahead. We are also treated to a fascinating history of an unsung landscape in Dorking and we have a timely reminder of the important work that goes on behind the scenes as we fulfil our role in the planning process.

Exciting news from our Garden Detectives, highlights from our summer garden visits and much much more…

As we watch our gardens show signs of life and contemplate what the year’s weather will bring, we are very much looking forward to our exclusive lecture and tours at RHS Hilltop, Wisley in May, where internationally renowned scientists are researching the future of the UK’s gardening plants and showcasing innovative ideas for sustainable growing methods. Read about this and much more in the latest Spring Newsletter.

The Surrey Hills Symposium took place last week and highlighted the work undertaken by the Surrey Hills National Landscape (previously the AONB) to enable access for all. Thriving with Nature was the theme for the hugely inspirational talks and discussion. What a quintessential context in which to ponder the photographs and stories of just a handful of the 40 school projects the SGT Schools Awards have supported this year.

As the Summer draws to a close and we contemplate Autumn days in a much changed political and historical landscape, I hope that our news brings happy memories of sunny days and reminds us of how our Schools Awards and Gateway project continue to grow and bring smiles to the faces of those they reach. Do read on for information of events coming up which will give new opportunities for you to get involved.

The Bicycle Boys did not only visit Polesden Lacey while in Surrey and this special edition e newsletter gives you an opportunity to delve into Loyal’s journal and experience five August days on a bicycle with these intrepid adventurers through the lanes and special gardens of Surrey in 1928. Enjoy the ride!

With warmer days and our gardens beginning to bloom, our new look e-newsletter highlights the start of this year’s events programme.

From the Chair

With sunny Autumn days upon us, we look forward to the upcoming Jellicoe lecture series and Surrey Unforgettable Gardens lecture series, both in the calendar for October. The glorious colours will be on show for the garden visit to Ramster Gardens and a fascinating piece reminds us of the delights of Winkworth Arboretum.