21
The Ramster Preview
written by Gill Lawson
Last year I agreed to shadow and help Alison Catchlove organise the exhibition at Ramster Gardens, Chiddingfold 2021 with a view to managing the event this year. Although, I live close to the gardens I think that I have only once paid a brief visit to meet Alison there together with Rosie Glaister who is the owner. Carol and Sami were to design the exhibition.
It was a revelation!
If you don’t know the gardens they comprise 20 acres of managed natural woodland with green walks going through the woods.
The garden was first planted from an oak woodland by Sir Harry Waechter who purchased the property, Rams Nest, in 1900.
Planting was helped by a local nursery, Gauntletts who were famous for Japanese plants and their influence is still seen today in the bamboo planting and stone Japanese ornaments.
The walks are surrounded by azaleas and rhododendrons which are just glorious. The grass areas are full of spring flowers and shrubs are seen throughout the mature tree areas.
African Queen - Claire Nelson
Loki - Teresa Wells