 
The British Hosta and Hemerocallis Society celebrated their Silver Jubilee (50 years) in 2007, with their first Convention. It was held at one of the Great Gardens of the Royal Horticultural Society, Wisley. Recognizing the significance of this event, Mike and Kathy Shadrack designed a truly sublime combination English Garden Tour/Convention attendance for 40 eager Americans, including myself. The tour began on July 6. Having landed at Heathrow at noon, we were wisked off to Kew Gardens for the afternoon, followed by a welcoming reception at our hotel by members of the Society. On the morning of the 7th, we were taken to the Hampton Court Flower Show for the day. There was so much going on there, indeed, so much almost every place we visited, we could have spent the entire season without seeing it all. I was keenly aware of the priceless quality of every moment spent wherever I was during our 10 days of touring. While our hosts reported an unusually wet season, we managed to land at the beginning of a stretch of nearly perfect weather, with a few puffy clouds and temperatures hovering around 70F° almost every day!
During the following days, we spent just a few hours each at Sissinghurst, Great Dixter, Hidcote, Kiftsgate, Savill, Beth Chatto's Garden, Hyde Hall and several private gardens open on certain days, in addition to Wisley. Mike also arranged a special surprise for us - a tour of Highgrove, the famous garden designed by Prince Charles for his home and family. Visitors to Highgrove Gardens must go as a part of a tour group and normally must wait for years to visit. We were not allowed to take pictures at Highgrove, but the tour is unforgettable. Its features, including a Stumpery (garden planted on upended tree stumps) for the National Collection of Large Hostas, a black and white garden, the treehouse of the young Princes, a thyme walk bordered by topiary hedges sculpted to look like crowns, wildflower meadow, a walled fruit and vegetable garden and wonderful sculpture, illustrate Prince Charles' interest in promoting environmentally friendly garden design. Produce from the garden and profits from the wonderful shop there support both local and global charities.
The slides in this program don't do justice to any one of the gardens represented, but offer a momentary glimpse, perhaps a teaser, for anyone who has the privilege to consider a visit. If you would like to know more, or see more photos, time permitting, I will be happy to oblige. My email address is: bthompso@nycap.rr.com
Meanwhile, enjoy! Betsy Palmer Thompson
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