Brian Kidd, President of our Society died peacefully last week, aged 82.

Brian has been President since 2005.  He has been a much-loved, top supporter of the Friends in many ways over the years, he advertised the Garden during his regular broadcasts on Radio Solent, in his popular column in ‘The News’ and talks to gardening and other groups all over the area.  

He had been Head of Parks and Gardens for Portsmouth and a fine inspiration for his Son, Chris Kidd during his horticultural career.  He never failed to come over for the AGM and made sure that we appreciated the support that we all give the Garden, encouraging us to invent our own fund-raising projects.

The News – Portsmouth’s local paper in which he wrote a column for many years published a full tribute to him which you can find at: –

https://www.portsmouth.co.uk/news/people/brian-kidd-portsmouths-mr-gardening-dies-aged-82-3053827

There was also a tribute on BBC News which you can find at: –

https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-hampshire-55161157

Radio Solent also paid tribute in the gardening programme The Kitchen Garden with Rebecca Parker, the programme is currently available on the BBC Sounds app at: –

https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/p08zgxhz

The Society would like to thank all of you who made donations to the Covid-19 appeal which provided much needed funds to enable us to continue to support the wages of the two apprentice gardeners during lockdown.

Under the supervision of Trish the apprentices supported hugely by two volunteers maintained the Garden to a high standard and carried out substantial planting and a number of improvements during lockdown.

We have tried to thank donors individually but in case we missed you the letter of thanks is shown below:-

In line with Government resriction associated with the ongoing Coronavirus emergency situation it is still not possible for the 2020 AGM to go ahead at this time. A further review of the situation will be carried out on 30 September following the next update from the Charities Commission.

The annual Accounts have been signed off for submission to the Charities Commission.  These along with the annual reports from the Treasurer and the Chairman will be presented by the end of the month, even though the AGM is postponed. Members will be able to access the accounts via the Charities Commission website.

The Agenda for the original meeting is published here: – AGM Agenda 15 April 2020

The minutes of the 2019 AGM are here: – Minutes of AGM 21 February 2019

Due notice will be given of the revised date for the AGM both on this website and by email to Members who have their email address registered with the Society.

Raising the canopies of the old trees and developing beds around them gives a free-flowing feel to the planting.

Plants are allowed to seed around the garden. Joanna calls her gardening style ‘haphazard’, but the result is a riot of colour and texture.

One of the first thing the Millars planted after they bought the Prieuré in 1969 was the wisteria on the terrace

Now wisterias are magnificent in Spring around the garden.

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Roses are a great feature of the garden and Joanna reports that they have been particularly delightful this spring.

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The sundial, with its typical memento mori looks down from the warm stone wall of the house, but it would be hard to feel anything but joyful in this beautiful garden.

Finally, a “Millar miscellany” which includes Rosa ‘Joanna Millar in all its glory clothing an old Cypress and Joanna’s faithful companion surveying the scene.

A garden is never finished of course and it is good to know that, although she is no longer able to travel here, Joanna still finds inspiration from Ventnor Botanic Garden. After spotting a lovely low purple bush in one of the recent sets of Garden pictures that Rosemary sent links to, Persicaria ‘Red Baron’ has now been ordered from a French nursery! 

Monday May 11th was a very windy day and rather chilly so ideal for another walk in the Garden. Following the government announcment yesterday Jack is excited that Wednesday, when ‘lockdown’ relaxes slightly and people can travel more, will see the footfall at the Garden increase.

Start in South Africa, still the most colourful area in the Garden.

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Onto the Palm Garden, an area that Phil le May has spent many hours making it look its absolute best.

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Work continues on the removal of the steps and the new wall has now been painted and planting placed around it.
One of the terrapins is posing in the sunshine.
The first view of Echiums is around the pond.

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More Echiums by the pond and at the start of the Mediterranean Garden.

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Wisteria covering the shelter by the Cork Oaks.

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The Mediterranean Garden with the French Lavender still spectacular and Echiums everywhere.

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More Echiums!

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…and to finish in the Arid Garden. How those flowers on the spiral Aloe – Aloe polyphylla are developing and enormous flowers on the Yucca.

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