At Chestnut Nursery we believe social events are a very important part of the recovery process. They also provide us with the opportunity to thank our dedicated volunteers for all their hard work. During 2011, we have had a Picnic in Poole Park (pictured) and a game of rounders.  This was a wonderful event that brought everyone together - we all had a chance to chat, meet others and have a really good laugh.

Where possible, at least a couple of times a year, we try and visit other places of horticultural interest or natural beauty. Often this provides inspiration for us and is a good excuse to see some beautiful gardens and establish links within the local community.

This year has seen trips to two gardens in the Ferndown area. The first being a small but beautifully formed garden consisting of a front garden full of herbaceous planting and the rear a wonderful tropical garden (pictured). The owners kindly supplied us with refreshments and then we attended the second garden which provided us with a much more formal layout of trimmed hedges, manicured lawns and a lovely vegetable area.Tucked away behind another hedge was a pond full of coy carp and some chickens.

Thanks to owners Lyn & Malcolm and Wendy and Paul for their kindness in opening their gardens specially for us.

2010 Trips

In early 2010 we were privileged to visit Edmondsham House and Gardens (pictured).

Volunteers enjoyed a tour of the organic kitchen garden and later a private tour of the house.

The New Forest Show (pictured) in July 2010.

Cranbourne Manor

Athelhampton House and Gardens

Kirton Farm Nursery  – home of The Hairy Pot Company (whose products we stocked earlier in the year).