A group of 10 Probus members and Partners met at Hilliers Gardens for a guided tour. This visit was ably organised by Keith Hoyle. We met for Coffee at 10.30am and the guided tour began at 11am. Hilliers Gardens were established in the 1950s by a renowned Plantsman Sir Harold Hillier. He was an avid collector of rare trees and shrubs. Our volunteer guide Brian demonstrated a deep understanding and knowledge of the plants on display. There were two trees catagorised as fossil plants. They were thought extinct but turned up in various corners of the world. Seeds were sent to Harold Hillier who managed to grow trees from them. When walking around so many trees and shrubs you do need a guide to point out the rare and strange species. Included in the photos below is one of Sir Harold Hillier’s statue surrounded by Brian and our party. It was a really interesting visit, the weather was very kind, hazy sun. Those of us who had not visited the gardens before were surprised at the size and content of the gardens. After the tour we had a light lunch in their restaurant.