At 9.00am 26 of us set off for a visit to Prince Charles' Highgrove Estate. These visits are hard to come by as they are usually sold out a day or two after releasing the dates. Our leader Richard Burt was waiting on release day to bag a visit for a maximum of 26 visitors.

On arrival at Highgrove we were given a security lecture regarding use of cameras, loitering behind the guide and not entering areas that were off limits. We were waiting in an area where a group of elephants were grazing. Not real, but made of an invasive weed and life sized.

Our guide was extremely knowledgeable about the gardens and their evolution. The estate was purchased by the Princes' Trust from Harold MacMillan's son.

Charles has made numerous alterations to the gardens and created a very interesting walk which takes in walled gardens, vegetable gardens, paths with masses of colourful hydrangeas follies and buildings. There is a wild flower meadow that is cut by scythe and is at it's best end of May. Attached to the house were a magnificent wisteria and a large magnolia grandiflora. Although we have our dought in Hampshire it seems Highgrove is less affected than our gardens.

At the end of the tour we were able to enjoy tea and cakes and a look round the shop. Attached are photographs of the Elephants and our group waiting for the coach to take us home. Thanks to Richard being quick off the mark to book the tour and to manage a splendid day out.