On Wednesday 16 October, the Green Fingers group were treated to a wonderful talk by Trudy Gillham at In-Excess, Parley. Tracy shared her expertise on identifying what constitutes partial and full shade, the appropriate plants and how different soils contribute to planting schemes.

In addition, Trudy went on to share tips on composting and plant feed, encouraging us not to buy the most expensive but the most appropriate. The notes she shared regarding plants for shaded areas at the end were excellent and we all went home full of ideas.

Thank you to Trudy and In-Excess for hosting us.

The Bon Viveurs spend a lovely afternoon at English Oak Vineyard near Lytchett Matravers.  We were welcomed by Sarah and husband Andrew who own the lovely Vineyard.

As we toured the grounds, Sarah explained how she and Andrew’s mid-life crisis led to a change of career. They studied viticulture at Plumpton College in Sussex before purchasing ground in 2007 and planted 23,000 vines ranging from 14 different varieties of Pinot Noir, Pinot Meunier and Chardonnay grape roots. After which they had to wait three years for the first harvest and six years before their first wine was available..

Since then, they have gone on to produce awarding wining sparkling wines.  At the heart of the vineyard is a 350-year-old oak tree after which the Vineyard is named. Their sparkling wine selection now consists of six different blends all named after different oak trees.

Our tour ended with a wine tasting session – led by Andrew – which enabled us to try all six of their wine varieties.

Thanks to Corinne Board for arranging the session and Sarah and Andrew for their hospitality.

Our trip began with a tour of the house. The Vyne is a well-presented property and we were able to access a large section of the house. The volunteers were knowledgeable and keen to share information. First built circa 1500–10 in the Tudor style by William Sandys, 1st Baron Sandys, Lord Chamberlain to King Henry VIII, the Chute family bought the Vyne in 1653 and is largely responsible for the house as it appears today. One of the highlights was the pre-Reformation chapel.

After lunch we were able to undertake some of the trails round the grounds. The walk around the lake  and  woodlands were so relaxing.  We were able to view a six-hundred-year-old oak tree, tiptoe inside a 17th century summerhouse and wander through the walled garden.  

Thank you Bob and Clare for organising a lovely day out.