A visit to Ness Botanical Gardens, admittedly some time ago now, but I thought it would be nice to share the sights we saw.

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Whilst the Association no longer organises trips for our members, I do like to keep an eye out for Garden orientated outings that may be of interest to our members.

Addingham Probus is organising a trip to Tatton Park on Thursday July 4th 2013. Please contact the association for the number on which to book your seat if you are interested.

A number of our members enjoyed a visit to Elmleigh Thursday 23rd August wandering round one of the oldest and largest gardens in Ilkley. The house was built before 1890 - we know this because we researched and found a map from 1892 showing the building and gardens almost exactly as they are now but without greenhouses. It was really fascinating and much appreciated. Then afterwards, tea and home-made cake at 46 Kings Road, another adjacent large garden. Great fun was had by all.

Robin Burgess showed about 20 of us round the beautifully maintained gardens at the International Development Centre on Valley Drive. Truly impressive and we hope they win the Yorkshire in Bloom class they have entered. This was followed by tea and cakes as we looked round the equally impressive garden (only 100 metres away) of our Chairman, David Shepherdson. A good afternoon out for all of us.

Whilst the Association no longer organises trips for our members, I do like to keep an eye on the local press for Garden orientated outings that may be of interest to our members.

One such trip was organised by DalesMan Travel over at Guiseley to Barnsdale, the home of the late Geoff Hamilton. I went on this visit and was impressed by the professionalism and courtesy of the Driver. Less impressed by the weather on the day though. Although it was fine leaving Ilkley and for most of the trip...

 The first trip of the year will be a Full Day trip on Sunday ??? June to Corby House in the morning, lunch will be available, then on to Gresgarth for the afternoon. This is the garden of  Landscape Gardener, Arabella Lennox-Boyd. It contains many features: parkland; an entrance forecourt; terraced gardens; a series of hedged coloured themed gardens and herbaceous borders; a redesigned lake; a bog and lakeside garden; a wild garden; a large terraced vegetable garden; a nuttery and orchard; a...

 Our trips for 2009 have now taken place and were as follows.

The first trip of the year was a Full Day trip on Sunday 14th June to Sutton Park and Breezy Knees Gardens and Nursery and included a private tour of Sutton Park house at 11.30am and Tea and Cakes at Breezy Knees.

Our second trip of the year was an afternoon trip on 19th July to Maspin House, Hillam, nr Leeds. It is a privately owned and maintained country garden of about 3 acres, developed over some 25 years. The garden is open...

Our third trip of 2008 is the final one of three full day outings planned in co-operation with Adrian Thomas of Burley-in-Wharfedale who so ably organised our last trip of 2007.

This is to Helmsley Walled Gardens which is a beautiful five acre walled garden in the heart of North Yorkshire, England. Dating from 1758, and set against the spectacular backdrop of Helmsley Castle in the grounds of Duncombe Park, the garden is gradually being restored to its former glory. Originally built to...

Our first trip of 2008 is one of three full day outings planned in co-operation with Adrian Thomas of Burley-in-Wharfedale who so ably organised our last trip of 2007.

This is to Chirk Castle in Wales which boasts superb gardens and castle, rockery, topiary as well as a cafe and access for picnics.

After some time here, we move on to Well House, a 1 acre cottage garden with antique shop and Victorian Parlour. The owner, Mrs French-Greenslade will provide and serve Cream Teas for...

Our second trip of 2008 is one of three full day outings planned in co-operation with Adrian Thomas of Burley-in-Wharfedale who so ably organised our last trip of 2007.

This is to Hidcote Manor and Gardens in Gloucestershire which boasts a celebrated 20th-century garden in the beautiful north Cotswolds.