From our UK Correspondents #9

Posted by Christine Bailie
When we came out of the first Lockdown last year, we all looked for ways in which we could meet up with family & friends, whilst following the rules & feeling safe.  For me, The Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) (www.rhs.org.uk) at Wisley was just the place.
 
 
 
Wisley was originally purchased in 1878, with the idea of making 'difficult plants grow successfully'.  The garden acquired a reputation for its collections of lilies, gentians, Japanese irises, primulas and water plants.  The RHS was given the 60 acre site in 1903, by Sir Thomas Hanbury, just before its centenary.  
 
Read more of Christine's story in "Read More" below
As Wisley was developing as an ornamental garden, its educational and scientific roles were never forgotten.  The UK’s first dedicated horticultural scientific centre of excellence, RHS Hilltop, will open in June this year, helping to protect the future of plants, people and the planet.
 
 
 
Wisley has always been a favourite place of mine and, as I have never lived more than 50 miles away, I have found it to be a great meeting point for friends, old & new.  This year, my membership was a lifeline for me, even though the Chelsea, Hampton Court & other flower shows were all cancelled. Whenever the lockdown restrictions have allowed, I have met friends there, visiting in months & weathers that I would previously never have considered.  This has allowed me to see so much more of the seasons & the work which goes on in these magnificent gardens.
Yesterday, the RHS announced the winners of their annual, international photographic competition, which attracts thousands of entries.  I was thrilled to learn that a good friend had received a commendation with his first entry.  I wanted to share this photograph with you, as it was not taken in an elaborate setting but in their garden, here in Buckinghamshire, which they have planted to be a haven for wildlife - something we can all do for our local environment.  Protecting the environment is one of ‘our’ Areas of Focus and one in which we can all make a difference.
 
The fly & the dandelion’ can be seen clearly along with all the other winners in the different categories, in the galleries at RHS Photographic Competition / RHS Gardening  
The rules for next year’s competition have already been displayed & entries are being accepted from now until 1st February 2022! 
 
Christine