A group of adult learners, who are studying RHS Horticulture at our Cannington campus, recently visited Hestercombe Gardens, near Taunton. The Formal Garden is hailed as one of the finest examples of the world-renowned partnership between pioneering plantswoman Gertrude Jekyll and architect Sir Edwin Lutyens in the early 1900s.

The group, guided by their tutor Emma Butler, followed the water trail throughout the garden, looking at the landscape designed by Lutyens and planted by Jekyll. She said,

It is important to see gardens at different times of the year as it highlights the seasonal features, which can be otherwise missed. The landscape can appear bare in the winter, but the structure and design concepts can be appreciated before spring arrives and softens the landscape with plants in leaf.

Although the weather was damp, which limited the normally breathtaking views across the Somerset landscape, the group were treated to the sight of early snowdrops (galanthus) nodding their graceful heads, and spring in the air with the incredible scents of lonicera fragrantissima and chimonanthus praecox.

Find out about the range of Horticulture, Gardening and Landscape Design courses on offer for adult learners at BTC’s Cannington campus here.