BUCKINGHAMSHIRE GARDENS TRUST  WINTER/SPRING TALKS 2025 Venue: Methodist Church Hall, Aylesbury 8 February The Great Geranium Robbery  Speaker: Dr David Marsh The late 18th century saw a big expansion in Britain’s empire and as a result the importation of lots of “new” and “exotic” plants from all round the world. They were bought into commercial production, and our gardens and greenhouses by specialist nurserymen like Danield Grimwood of Kensington. In 1795 rare plants were stolen from the his nursery grounds…

Wycombe Lodge, Hughenden Manor             VT Small But Perfectly Formed: A History of the Entrance Lodge Entrance lodges are small but distinctive features in the landscape. Historically accommodating a gatekeeper, they stand at the entrance to many an estate, and have often outlasted the parent house. They emerged as a distinct building type in the early eighteenth century, and are characterised by their size, location, subservience to their parent house, functional role, and often disproportionate architectural quality. Despite their prevalence, charm,…

The Gardens and Wildflowers of Corfu: Jackie Hunt Jackie Hunt, Turn End's  Head Gardener, shares her photographs and research from a study trip to the Greek island of Corfu, in April 2024. Jackie will talk about the stunning gardens and landscapes she saw and how gardens are managed including plant selection, pruning and irrigation. Jackie will also highlight particular plants of interest, including spring flowering orchids, for which the island is famous, alongside a range of plants Jackie is interested…