Coolings Events and Excursions 2017 - 2018

The Gardener’s Garden Centre

EVENTS & EXCURSIONS 2017 / 2018

Enjoy the Christmas Light Spectacle at Kew

Tuscan Treasures in Italy

NEW for 2017 – Antiques & Collectables Fair

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THE EXPERIENCE IS GROWING

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Coolings Garden Centre Rushmore Hill Knockholt Sevenoaks Kent TN14 7NN

Monday - Saturday 9am - 5pm (5.30pm April - July) Sunday 9am - 4.30pm

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T: 01959 532269 E: rushmorehill@coolings.co.uk W: www.coolings.co.uk

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Don’t forget to use your Coolings Family card to get 10% OFF selected events & excursions where you see this symbol.

For more information on any of our events at Coolings or to book any of our excursions see www.coolings.co.uk/events

Grow your potential..

Our Special Excursions We like to pamper you! While you sit back and relax, read a paper or talk to your friends, we will transport you in calm comfort around the country.

We don’t sing 10 green bottles, the ride is smooth and air-conditioned. Plus, our drivers are lovely.

You’re an adult, so we try to give you as much choice as possible in what you do during our visits and how you dine if we stay away overnight.

“You have excelled yourselves Coolings with the Scotland trip and HMS Britannia. This will be something I remember for the rest of my life!”

Mr E. from Sevenoaks

courses at Coolings

Our Group Leader won’t bore you with endless chatter on the microphone and we avoid forced guided tours except where there is no alternative!

We like to stretch our legs, so there are regular stops whenever possible on our various travels, and before the relaxation causes us to seize up!

Learn more about your Love of gardening..

For more information on all our gardening courses visit www.coolings.co.uk or call us on 01959 532269. You’ll be surprised at what we offer!

Grow your potential. .

Courses at Coolings Learn more about your love of gardening

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Sign up for

September

There’s no stress of driving or planning and we stay in comfortable four-star hotels. You can relax and enjoy, knowing our Courier is there to ensure all goes well.

Our regular customers are happy and kind people who are welcoming of new guests and we have many single travellers who often band together for shared enjoyment.

All of our excursions are fully escorted by a Coolings employee, include transport

on a luxury coach, entry to venues, hotel accommodation (if required), but not always meals.

We try where possible to allow guests to choose what and where they eat, and even if we have to dine in, we aim to maximise the choice of times and food for you within our price.

As you can imagine, we do a reasonable amount of walking on these trips so if you do have disability issues, it might be worth checking with us before you book.

Experience a Different Day Out at Coolings Coolings is so much more than just a paradise for plant lovers.This autumn following on from the success of the Antiques Valuation day in 2016 with celebrity experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey, this event will be back in October, plus you can look forward to the new Antiques and Collectables Fair.

We also have the ever popular Keep it Local Craft Show back here in September and also for the largest event of the year in December, if you have not had a chance to visit these yet they are a must with all the craft carefully selected and all handmade in the south of England.

We always strive to create a special experience at Coolings, so please take a look at what 2017 and 2018 have to offer!

“I did not realise Coolings did holidays as well, they are a real treat and I look forward to my time away immensely.”

Miss W from Kent

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Coolings Horticultural Show of Shows Our Horticultural ‘Show of Shows’ is now in its 5th year and is always a very popular day.

It is your opportunity to see the best that Kent’s Horticultural Societies have to offer in categories ranging from flowers, fruit and vegetables, to cakes.You may even want to enter something for yourself. Maybe you make a mean cake, have grown a prize winning marrow, are creative with flowers, have a keen eye for photography, or you are crafty/enjoy painting – then enter your creations into the appropriate category. We’d love to see them and you may even earn yourself a prize!

This year’s show is on Saturday 30th September 2017 and will be open to the public from 10.00am (restricted viewing until midday), so if you have a love of Sat 30th September Free Entry

Restricted viewing from 10am - 12 noon Fully open to public from 12 noon - 4pm

gardening and want to peruse some of the best produce Kent has to offer, this is the perfect opportunity.

If you are inspired to enter something for yourself then visit www.coolings.co.uk and download the show schedule.

Categories include: Flowers Vegetables Fruit Produce Baking Craft Painting Flower Arrangement Photography

1 Day Excursion

Brighton & fly on the new i360 Leaving Coolings at 9am we will take a leisurely journey to Brighton to see the latest thrill seeking attraction!

In the wake of the success of the London Eye, Brighton has realised the dream of an ambitious rival, the British Airways i360.

This column stands 162m (531feet) and the designers expect it to appear in the Guinness Book of Records as the tallest slender tower in the world.

For those of you who haven’t seen the pictures, we will board the observation deck at ground level and then slowly ascend to the top of the tower before descending

back down to earth once more, the whole ‘flight’ lasting around 20 minutes.

For those of you who are nervous, there is a bar on board!

After the flight, we will be free to enjoy the rest of the day in the town so there will be time if you wish to see the pier or Pavilion or many other attractions the town holds.

We will leave at around 4.30pm to return to Coolings around 6pm, traffic permitting.

Fri 6th October £65 Per Person

There are also categories for our Junior entries (all children’s classes are split into two age groups: 5-10 years & 11-16 years). Lots of opportunity over the summer holidays to perfect their entries (and keep them busy)!

Departs 9am from Coolings

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events

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Come and chat to The winner of the BBC The Big Allotment Challenge 2016 Rob Smith who will be here for the day

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OCT

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Antiques Valuation Day

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Back again in 2017 after a successful first event, why not come and see if you have some treasures at home!

Celebrity TV antiques experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey come to Coolings.

Catherine Southon has worked for 19 years in the antiques world, initially working for Sotheby’s, New Bond Street for 9 years as an auctioneer specialising in Scientific Instruments and Maritime Works of Art, and subsequently as an expert for 10 years on four BBC antiques programmes.

1 Day Excursion

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RAF Duxford Now part of the Imperial War Museum (IWM), Duxford has a really interesting range of displays and exhibitions.

In September 1918 RAF Duxford opened as a flying school, and after the war ended the airfield was used as a base for the disbandment of squadrons from the Continent. In 1924, under re-organised Home Defence arrangements, RAF Duxford became a fighter station, a role it was to carry out with distinction for 37 years.

Following the end of the Second World War, the station entered its last operational phase.

The defence needs which had called RAF Duxford into being as a fighter station no longer applied; it was too far south and too far inland, and the costly improvements required Thurs 19th October £65 Per Person

Departs 8.30am from Coolings

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for supersonic fighters could not be justified. In July 1961 the last operational flight was made from RAF Duxford, and for some 15 years the future of the airfield remained in the balance.

IWM had been looking for a suitable site for the storage, restoration and eventual display of exhibits too large for its headquarters in London, and obtained permission to use the airfield for this purpose. Cambridgeshire County Council joined with IWM and the Duxford Aviation Society, and in 1977 bought the runway to give the abandoned aerodrome a new lease of life.

Today the historic site, outstanding collections of exhibits and regular world-renowned air shows combine to create a unique museum where history really is in the air.

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events

Mark Stacey has worked for some prestigious auction houses including Bonham’s and Sotheby’s. When he is not busy on the BBC’s ‘Flog it’ or ‘Antiques Road Trip’, Mark works as an independent valuer and auctioneer.

Sun 8th October (10am - 3pm)

Antiques & Collectables Fair

OCT 21-22

We are delighted to announce that, following the interest in our antiques valuation day last year, Coolings is also hosting an autumn Antiques & Collectables Fair.

The organisers of this free-entry fair will present you with the opportunity to browse a wide variety of quality antiques and collectables brought along by hand-selected, reputable dealers.

With over 60 stalls expected there are still a few remaining pitches. If you wish to apply to join this event apply online at www.fire-kettle.co.uk or ring (07773) 779581.

Sat 21st - Sun 22nd October (10am – 4.30pm)

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DEC

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1 Day Excursion

Bombay Sapphire Distillery Leaving Coolings at 9am we will take a leisurely journey to visit the Bombay Sapphire Distillery on the Hampshire borders.

With the renewed interest in gin as a drink, what better way to spend a November day than visiting the place some of ‘the best stuff ’ is made!

After enjoying a tour of the distillery and seeing how it’s made in what is quite a fascinating process, we will be given a

complimentary drink and no doubt encouraged to visit the giftshop afterwards.

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There will be an opportunity to buy a light lunch in the café onsite before we embark for the journey home.

As it will be getting dark early at that time of the year, we will aim to be back in time for you to get home in the light.

Thur 2nd November £65 Per Person Depart 9am from Coolings

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To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events

1 Day Excursion

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Portsmouth _ A Victorian Christmas Coolings is once again able to offer this favourite trip to a fantastic Christmas experience at the Portsmouth Historic Dockyard which in itself, is a world class visitor attraction.

We will be visiting the Victorian Christmas Fair on Friday 1st December where we will experience the many terrific Victorian attractions this event has become known for.

The event is also host to the south coast’s biggest Christmas market, so there will be plenty of opportunity to make those special purchases.

This excursion is excellent value and is sure to sell out quickly so book early to avoid disappointment.

Lunch is not included but there is a wide choice of onsite facilities, and we will make stops during the journey for refreshments.

Fri 1st December £65 Per Person

Depart 9am from Coolings

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 8

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Along the way, there will be an illuminated walkway and around the exit you’ll find stalls selling food and drink, including hot chocolate to keep your strength up.

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Kew Gardens are a pleasure to visit at any time but are even more amazing for a few weeks at Christmas when they host their Christmas spectacle of over 60,000 lights mounted in a number of installations over a one mile walkway!

Winter can take its toll on our gardens, and we know better than most that they need a little TLC to get them set for summer. Luckily, our garden maintenance team have their spades and wellies on standby, ready to pay your garden a visit.

Christmas Lights at Kew

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1 Day Excursion

AUTUMN TIDY SPRING CLEAN

£380

For a flat fee, two members of our team visit your garden for a day and perform all those gardening tasks and chores that you can’t quite find the time to start.

With rave reviews in recent years we think this will be one of the best visits of the year and a superb start to the festive season.

Thur 7th December £69 Per Person

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Depart 3.30pm from Coolings

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GARDEN MAINTENANCE

& LAWN CARE We know that a perfect lawn takes a lot of hard work, but if you don’t know where to begin, Coolings can help.We can give one-off treatments to your lawn to give it the boost it needs, or we can provide ongoing, regular maintenance to keep it looking its absolute best.

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events DEC

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We aim to return by 9pm (approx.).

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Garden Design A tailor made garden can be truly inspirational – use our design service to help turn your garden dreams into reality.

Find Out More...

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If you would like to know more about our gardening services or would like to make a booking, please contact Lesley or Neil at The Gardener’s Garden Centre on 01959 532269.

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MAY

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Isle of Scilly

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events

7 Day Excursion

Spring in the Isles of Scilly We’ve all heard stories of how wonderful the Isles of Scilly are.

Situated firmly in the ‘Gulf Stream’ to the south-west of Cornwall, their climate is especially mild and temperate. In particular, you may have heard of Tresco and the beautiful Abbey Gardens, which are host to so many wonderful plants that we in Kent can only dream about growing.

As the Islands are so beautiful, we have built in as much flexibility as possible to allow you to choose when you visit different places and even what to visit.

Day 6 _ Carlyon Bay Hotel

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Day 1: We will depart Coolings at 8am to allow plenty of time for breaks, so our day is comfortable and relaxed, before we will arrive at our overnight hotel a few hundred metres from the centre of St Ives, the Tregenna Castle Hotel.

Here we will stay on a bed and breakfast basis so that you have time to explore St Ives in the few hours we will have free in the town, without being tied to the hotel.

Day 2: We leave the hotel bright and early and travel the short distance to Penzance to catch our ferry to St Mary’s in the Isles of Scilly. From St. Mary’s we then take a connecting boat for the journey to St Martin’s about a mile away.

Here on St Martin’s we will be staying at the world renowned four-star Karma Hotel, which is the only place on the Islands able to take our group at the standard we have come to expect.

Day 2 _ Karma Hotel

Owing to the very limited choice of other dining facilities on the Island, we will be staying on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis and we have arranged for you to be able to book tables in the restaurant at your convenience in the evening.

We will stay at Karma for 4 nights, giving us 3 full days on the Islands.

We have not formalised very much whilst on Scilly, so you are free to book trips through the hotel to suit your aims and the weather.

Within the price of this trip we have included the cost of entry to Tresco Abbey Gardens and the price of one boat return transfer per day to other islands.

our coach will be waiting for us!

We will then travel for just over an hour to our overnight digs, the excellent Carlyon Bay Hotel. Those of you who came to Cornwall with us last year will remember the excellence of this establishment, which many felt was really a five-star hotel pretending to be four-star! Here we will stay on a dinner, bed and breakfast basis.

Guests may be interested to hear we will be returning to the Carlyon Bay in June for more great gardens of Cornwall!

Day 7: After a lovely breakfast, we say our goodbyes to the south-west and take a leisurely drive home to Coolings, aiming to arrive at around 7pm, depending on traffic.

Fri 18th - Thurs 24th May 2018 (7 Days, 6 nights)

From £1099 Per Person

Isle of Scilly

Day 6: In the morning we will leave the hotel for the last time, transfer back to St Mary’s and take the ferry back to Penzance, where

(If booked before 24th December 2017 including Early Bird Booking Discount + 10% Coolings Family Discount). Single Person Supplement £929.

A Payment plan applies to this holiday if booked before 24th December 2017.

Depart 8am from Coolings

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 13

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Trebah Gardens

5 Day Excursion

Bonython

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Great Gardens of Cornwall Readers will remember we visited Cornwall to see the Eden Project and The Lost Gardens of Heligan last year.

Those of you who chose to come will recall the luxury of the superb Carlyon Bay Hotel where we were utterly spoiled in what most of us believe is a five-star hotel pretending to be a fourstar hotel!

For this break we return for more pampering and pleasure to this lovely hotel and spa/golf course, in between our forays out into the wilds of Cornwall and its garden treasures.

At the time of writing, the gardens are still fully tied up with their 2017 season and are still to finalise their 2018 programmes, so it may be necessary to vary the days we see some of the gardens below. But hopefully all will fall into our timetable without difficulty!

Many of these gardens are hilly, so you will need to be reasonably comfortable with slopes and steps, to enter and 14

enjoy all the gardens we will be visiting.

Day 1: We depart Coolings at 8am and head southwards on our luxurious coach, with frequent stops to stretch our legs.

On the way south we aim to squeeze in a visit to Mount Edgcumbe Gardens opposite Plymouth. Entry to these fantastic gardens is free, and our visit is dependent on making good time as we travel through the day.

Finally, we aim to arrive at the hotel at around 6pm, hopefully a little earlier.

Day 2: One of the joys of Cornwall is that nothing opens until 10am, and so we can have a leisurely breakfast and depart at a comfortable hour on each day we are staying in the County!

Our first visit of the day will be to Trewidden Garden, right down near the very end of the peninsula. This garden has a

rich horticultural and industrial past where you can experience the truly remarkable stand of tree ferns, set within ancient tin workings, and said to be the finest in the Northern Hemisphere.

Find Champion Magnolias, a venerable old Jelly Palm, and an extensive collection of Camellias, Rhododendrons and Azaleas all within a mature woodland setting.

The Walled Garden has mixed borders to provide a riot of colour for the summer months, with ancient tin smelting kettles used as water features. Unusual, rare and exotic plants plus specimens new to cultivation provide a wide range of interest for visitors and garden enthusiasts alike!

Moving on from this treasure we next go to visit Bonython, situated on the Lizard Peninsula and close to the mainland’s most southerly point!

The manor house strikes a dramatic seafacing pose, its grand façade dating back to the 1780s. Since new South African owners took over in 1999, a modern and exotic horticultural twist has brought Bonython to the attention of the keen plant brigades.

Explore the South African roots beneath the scorching display of ornamental grasses, cannas and proteas that bring one of the three lakes into a froth of colour throughout August and September. But rainbows don’t stop here. Herbaceous borders of the walled garden are lined with Alliums, Catmint and carefully selected varieties that enhance blue, purple, yellow and white colour themes. Even the herb garden has been sprinkled with ‘picking flowers’ to infuse it with vibrant pink and burgundy hues.

The array of species is enough to whet any garden-lover’s appetite, especially when it’s served up with a jaw-dropping view that stretches over the orchard of Cornish apple trees towards the swan-scattered Lake Joy. And a joy it really is, for a wander back through the woodland walk, or a meander through the tree fern and rhododendron dell can be described as nothing less.

Indulge in the enchanting atmosphere of what was a traditional garden, and has now been passionately infused with innovative planting to become one of the most interesting gardens in the southwest.

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 15

Great Gardens of Cornwall Continued Day 3: Our first treasure today is another famous name, Trebah, a sub-tropical paradise with a stunning coastal backdrop; the result of 175 years of inspired and dedicated creation.

Discover the magic of this beautiful valley garden, explore under canopies bursting with exotic blooms and follow vibrant tunnels of colour that cascade down to our very own secluded beach on the Helford River.

Trebah offers visitors a year round experience.

In spring, Trebah comes alive with a colourful array of 100-year-old rhododendrons, magnolias and camellias; in summer, the giant gunnera is a must see for young and old. In autumn, Hydrangea Valley casts clouds of china blue and soft white across Mallard Pond, and in winter, the spectacular champion trees dominate the landscape, whilst plants from the southern hemisphere flower.

The history of Trebah is a fascinating tale, from its creation by Charles Fox, part of the Fox family of Falmouth whose influence on Cornish gardens is well documented, to the Second World War, when Trebah’s beach was an embarkation point for the 29th US Infantry JUN

Division destined for the assault landing on Omaha beach.

Between 1961 and 1971 Trebah was owned by the racing driver and car designer Donald Healey, who removed most of the concrete from the beach, built the boathouse and restored the ponds. In 1981, Trebah was bought by Major Hibbert and his wife Eira, who continued a programme of restoration, and in 1990 the Hibberts donated the house and garden to the Trebah Garden Trust, a registered charity.

If we can tear ourselves away from this superb paradise we’ll head to the stunning Lamorran situated on the Roseland Peninsula, this sub-tropical Italianate garden of many levels surrounded by water on three sides, and with St Anthony’s Head across the estuary has a lovely view. It’s a plant person’s paradise with emphasis on plants from the Southern Hemisphere, and is divided into compartments and levels ensuring a sense of adventure while you seek out the hidden treasures.

Day 4: Our first stop of the day will be Trewithen.

Marsh Villa Gardens

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The creative genius of the early 19th century Cornish garden owners, and their hunger and passion for exotica, led them to sponsor the great Victorian plant hunting expeditions. The seeds and plants which they brought back from all over the world helped create these unique examples of wild and magnificent living theatre.

A beautiful place to visit, there is something to discover at every turn of Trewithen’s level gravelled pathways. Champion Trees, rare shrubs, exotic fern collections, woodland glades, wildflowers and the longest lawn in Cornwall – just some of the features of a truly beautiful place that visitors say is both inspiring and relaxing.

There are viewing platforms so you can get up close to the floral canopy, a rare camera obscura and a sycamore avenue.

Moving along from this triumph our next stop will be Marsh Villa Gardens.

This magical 3-acre water and woodland garden lies in a former tidal creek and is rich in variety and conservational significance. With the first plantings in 1988, the garden is well established, boasting extensive herbaceous borders and mixed beds, amongst a charming network of waterways which drain the Treesmill marsh levels.

A hornbeam avenue forms a central axis whilst meandering paths lead from one ‘room’ to the next to the large natural pond, the formal enclosed garden, the small woodland areas with under plantings, the boscage and the marsh - whilst plenty of comfortable corners provide opportunities for enjoying the peace.

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Trewidden Gardens

Enjoying the warmth of the Gulf Stream, these magical Cornish gardens are home to a wealth of the most exciting, rare and beautiful plants and trees in the British Isles.

Tregrehan

The Square Garden is glorious in early summer, with roses and clematis smothering the diamond-shaped pergola, and there are convenient seats where you can rest.

Herbaceous borders are packed with colour, and there is an extensive collection of shrubs and mature trees.

Sit quietly in the large summer house overlooking the pond and you may see a kingfisher!

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5 Day Excursion

The 14-acre marsh itself is largely impassable but there is a path through a small section for you to enjoy a truly natural walk _ a walk where once the tide brought Daphne du Maurier’s characters up the creek to the House on the Strand.

Day 5: We say goodbye to our lodgings and hope we haven’t put on too much weight as a result of the sumptuous food, before we make our way to our last proposed visit, Tregrehan.

Tucked into St Austell Bay, Tregrehan has an enviable location for a woodland garden.

Cornwall’s atmospheric rainforest is sheltered by higher ground, gets adequate rainfall and has the mild Gulf Stream less than a mile away.

Towering conifers from the early Victorian Plant Hunters, combined with botanically important recent planting, has encouraged over 150 trees to reach champion status in the UK. This family-run non-commercial setting is a delight on open days, or any time by appointment. In airy contrast the old grain mill, walled garden, and magnificent glasshouse range is a wonderful space just to relax and unwind.

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After this casual and relaxed last visit we will wind our way, with regular stops, back home with the aim of reaching Coolings at around 7pm, subject to traffic.

Sun 17th - Thurs 21st June 2018 (5 Days, 4 nights)

From £959 Per Person (If booked before 24th December 2017 including Early Bird Booking Discount + 10% Coolings Family Discount). Single Person Supplement £320.

A Payment plan applies to this holiday if booked before 24th December 2017.

Depart 8am from Coolings

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 17

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p du Bataille

Palace of Versailles

5 Day Excursion

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Spectacular French Gardens Day 1: Travelling on a luxury coach with toilet and regular stops we head off at 10am and wind our way to the Channel Tunnel, arriving around 11.30am for the 12.20pm shuttle.

Day 2: Being well located to access all the gardens we are visiting, we will travel to the Garden at Giverny which once belonged to the world-famous Claude Monet.

After our smooth crossing, we will make our way directly to the hotel with a couple of comfort stops to keep ourselves as fresh as possible.

Here you can spend as much time as you like exploring the site and then perhaps visit the town itself. Lunch is not included but there are many opportunities for refreshments.

We should arrive at our four-star hotel in Versailles, the Pullman Château De Versailles, at around 6pm where we will enjoy a buffet evening meal, bed and breakfast on our first night.

We will return in the late afternoon to the hotel to enjoy bed and breakfast, so you are free to choose your own evening meal in the hotel or elsewhere whilst exploring the lovely town.

when far more of the site is available to visit than normal, and we will be free to wander the open parts of the site at will!

We will return to the hotel in the late afternoon where we will enjoy bed and breakfast accommodation.

Day 4: For some, today will be the highlight of our tour as we visit the Palace of Versailles and the formal gardens which are world renowned.

Our hotel is within walking distance of the gates, so our journey time each way will be very brief!

Versailles was the seat of power for the French Monarchy under Louis XIV, known as ‘The Sun King’ and was designed to be the ‘must see,

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We will be arriving on an unusual day when they will be hosting ‘Les Journées du Patrimoine’, which is a kind of open day

must be palace’ and an expression of the power of the greatest absolute monarch in Europe.

Later, during the French revolution,Versailles became the focus of hatred for the Monarchy and the Royal Family was forced to flee to Paris.

After spending the day at this place of great history, we will return for one more night at the hotel on a bed and breakfast basis.

Day 5: Sadly, all good things must come to an end and today we will wind our way homewards towards Calais, stopping at any interesting places we can find time for as we head to the Tunnel.

Depending on traffic, we should return to Coolings in the early evening.

Thur 13th - Mon 17th September 2018 (5 Days, 4 nights)

From £989 Per Person

Day 3: Today, we visit the less well known but remarkable Champ du Bataille. Millions of Euros have been spent restoring this site to its former glory, which was and is quite spectacular!

Hotel Pullman Château De Versailles

Giverny Gardens

Château Cham

(If booked before 24th December 2017 including Early Bird Booking Discount + 10% Coolings Family Discount). Single Person Supplement £420.

A Payment plan applies to this holiday if booked before 24th December 2017.

Depart 10am from Coolings

Giverny Gardens

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 19

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are one of the greatest open-air museums in Florence.

Its creation and development spans four hundred years, from the 15th to 19th centuries. The original fields and gardens were laid out behind Santa Felicita in the Oltrarno by the Borgolo family, the name from which Boboli is thought to derive, and were bought in 1418 by Messer Luca Pitti. In 1549, the property was purchased

by Cosimo I’s wife Eleonora di Toledo, and was greatly enlarged to became the Medici family’s new city residence.

Boboli Gardens

7 Day Excursion

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In the afternoon we’ll move to the Bardini Gardens which were only re-opened to the public in 2005, after five years and 12 million euros had been spent in restoring them. One fabulous feature of this garden is the fabulous view it affords over Florence!

Tuscan Treasures

This ten-acre garden was originally planned by the Mozzi family way back in the 13th century, but it has greatly changed since then.

We’re often asked about visits abroad, especially to Italy, and so this year we thought we’d give you a taste of some fabulous places in Tuscany!

Day 3: Today we will start with Giardino di Castello. This Garden commissioned

by Cosimo I to Niccolò Tribolo in 1538, is one of the first examples of Italian garden, and from here the same architect took the inspiration to realise the famous Boboli Garden.

Our trip is planned for October to avoid the searing summer sun and daily temperatures should be around 20 degrees centigrade.

As you’d expect from us, there’s an additional twist as we draw back the curtain on another secretive area of horticulture. More of this will follow in the description.

Pricing does not include flights as Coolings is unable to sell these presently, but we will be able to give advice on which flights will suit our tour and where you might wish to book them.

We will identify meeting and drop off times at airports so we can escort you from the moment you arrive to when you depart. That said, if you wish to

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stay longer we can help with those & LAWN CARE arrangements too.

At the time of writing, some of our venues are still waiting to confirm their opening regimes for next year, so there may be some variance in the programme outlined below.

Day 1: You will arrive from the UK to be met by a Coolings representative at the airport who will then escort you to your coach and onward travel to the Hotel Villa Cappugi, a four-star hotel located in Pistoia to the west of Florence. It has an outdoor swimming pool which should be the perfect temperature by the time we arrive! We will be based here for the week, enjoying dinner, bed and breakfast.

Day 2: We will be collected by luxury coach and transported to two super venues, the Boboli and Bardini Gardens.

We’ll start with the Boboli Gardens which are more than a garden; more than just a ‘green lung’ in Florence. The Boboli gardens

Comprising three terraces, the first is composed of 16 square flower beds, and a series of classic sculptures, placed here later (late 1700).

The second terrace features the Citrus Garden, where we find 500 citrus plants, many of which are precious and rare.

Climbing two stairway steps to the top of the garden we find a large wood in which the basin of the Fountain of January or Apennines by Bartolomeo Ammannati was placed. From here onwards the space was devoted to the English garden built for the Lorena family who once occupied the property.

Our final garden for the day is the Medici Villa della Petraia, just a few kilometres from

t un co W is O D N d ir ok B Bo ly u ar o E if y

OCT

Florence, which was a haven for the Medici family and still charms visitors today with its beautiful Italian garden and richly ornate interiors and period furniture.

The old homestead, dating to 1362 and changing hands several times, became the property of the Medici family after their return to the city in 1530.

The gardens are split across three levels to make the most of the hill slope: from the highest terrace there are unique views over Florence and Brunelleschi’s dome, while in the “Piano della figurina” there’s the Fiorenza fountain, and on the north side you can take a stroll in the English gardens, which were created in the romantic taste typical of the early nineteenth century.

In the afternoon, we will be guests of Vannucci Piante in Pistoia.

We are sure you will have seen some very large specimen plants at Coolings and other garden centres: the plants priced at hundreds or thousands of pounds each! The lion’s share of production for these is in Pistoia, a particularly rich growing area, where the soil and climate suit this type of production.

During our brief visit, you will see literally acres and acres of plants that will melt your heart and make you promise yourself you’ll buy one, maybe more (!) to complete your garden bucket list.

Florence by Night

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 21

to the rich Corsini family, who live in Florence.

7 Day Excursion

Tuscan Treasures Continued Day 4: We will take you to Florence where you can enjoy free time. In our full itinerary, we will give you plenty of suggestions of where to go and what to do and to stop you getting too lost, a map as well!

Day 5: Our aim in the morning is to visit two fabulous gardens, the Villa Medici and the Le Balze Garden.

The Garden at Villa Medici has gracious terraces cut into a stony hillside with panoramic views of the River Arno and Florence. Sites for earlier villas had been chosen because they were easy to defend, or because of their rich agricultural surroundings and had it been built 50 years earlier, the garden would surely have been enclosed in the medieval way. Had it been made 50 years later, the terraces would have been joined with great flights of steps as the styles changed through time.

As it is, the terraces have lawns and are shaded by paulownias. Paths are lined with lemon trees and with geranium-filled terracotta pots. There is a secret garden (giardino segreto) which has wonderful views, to aid one’s contemplation.

Horace Walpole’s sister added the coach drive in OCT

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the eighteenth century and an English architect designed the box parterres in the twentieth century! An ongoing story of development with a British twist!

Villa Le Balze is a Renaissance-style villa which is owned by Georgetown University and has been maintained as a study centre for around three decades.

It was designed for Charles Augustus Strong by two English architects _ Geoffrey Scott and Cecil Pinsent. The construction of the Villa extended over two years and was completed in 1913.

The Villa rests on three acres of land with three formal gardens, a bosco, and olive groves on the hillside beneath the building.

Charles Augustus Strong, who was married to John D. Rockefeller’s oldest daughter Elizabeth, built the Villa (with a legacy from his father-in-law) after his wife’s death in 1905, and he lived there for the rest of his life. Although a reclusive man, he knew many notable people such as Bertrand Russell, who visited the Villa in the 1930’s.

Finally, in the afternoon we aim to visit Giardino Corsini in the centre of town. This garden belongs Medici Villa della Petraia

Le Balze Garden

Discount

Villa Medici

Concealed behind the facade of one of the mansions along what was known as the Prato of Ognissanti is one of Florence’s finest gardens.

In 1591, having bought land along the Meadow of Ognissanti, Alessandro Acciaiuoli asked Bernardo Buontalenti to design a “pleasure lodge” with extensive grounds. Buontalenti designed the complex hydraulic system to bring water to the fountains, with the pathways lined with sumptuous rows of cedars, the loggia and large “kneeling” windows that can still be seen today.

Following its purchase in 1620 by Filippo and Maddalena Corsini in the wake of the bankruptcy of the Acciaiuoli family, they assigned the task of finishing the lodge to Gherardo Silvani who also reworked the layout of the garden.

Silvani’s contribution can be seen in a number of details in the spaces on the ground floor, such as the ornamentation in the architectural moldings.

But it is the Italian-style garden, bounded by the large orangery, with the sophisticated geometric beds, lemon trees in vases and statue-lined main path, that clearly reveal the baroque-style orientation of the architect and his love of scenography.

Finally, to describe it another way: “From the moment you pass the gate, with its sentinel cypresses, the impression is one of such perfect loveliness’’ C. Latham, The Gardens of Italy.

Day 7: We will return you to the airport for your flight back home.

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Bardini Gardens

To enhance the sense of length and depth of the main path, the architect made use of the trick of placing the statues and their pedestals at a progressively lower height, fixing the central point of view from the loggia at the back of the palace towards Via of the Scala, as is seen in the cherub and two lions above the gate and the side pillars that are oriented towards the inside.

In 1834 the palace became the residence of Don Neri Corsini and his wife, who commissioned both architectural and ornamental work. During the same period, the garden also underwent a Romantic-style make-over. Wooded groves were created, as well as knolls and small lake changes that can still be seen in the two wooded areas that create a sort of scenic green backdrop to the garden. More recently, the garden with its spring flowering of Lavender, Roses, Peonies and Ornamental Cherry Trees, was reworked by Oliva di Collobiano.

Day 6: Today we will visit Villa Gamberaia which may well be the jewel in the crown of this trip!

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08 This garden has the simple structure of an early Renaissance garden combined with the rich decoration of the Mannerist or Baroque styles.

The long lawn, peopled with statues, is a bowling green. There is a nymphaeum, fountains and a lemon garden. The water parterre was a late nineteenth century addition, by a Serbian princess and her close American friend, Miss Blood.

Gamberaia was badly damaged in the Second World War but has been restored.

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Thur 4th - Weds 10th Oct 2018 (7 Days, 6 nights)

From £999 Per Person (Flights not included).

(If booked before 24th December 2017 including Early Bird Booking Discount + 10% Coolings Family Discount). Single Person Supplement £295.

A Payment plan applies to this holiday if booked before 24th December 2017.

To book call 01959 532269 or visit www.coolings.co.uk/events 23

Events and Excursions at The Gardener’s Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill Events at Coolings Garden Centre, Rushmore Hill All of these events are free to attend unless otherwise stated.

Coolings NEW Spring Bulb selection opens

Get the Spirit of Spring in your Garden in 2018. 20% OFF all bulbs this bank holiday weekend.

Fri 25th Aug Mon 28th Aug

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Sat 26th Aug 10am - 4pm

Meet the lecturers

Coolings runs a wide range of gardening related courses, some practical, some academic and some just for fun.

Thur 7th Sept 1pm - 4pm

Spitfire Air Display

The Biggin Hill Spitfire will be making a special flypast and mini display only for Coolings.

Free entry (please get to Coolings early as this is a popular event).

11am talk: meet the pilot, £10.

Book in advance.

2pm talk: Bob Ogley, Spitfires at Biggin Hill, £10. Book in advance.

These talks must be booked in advance at www.coolings.co.uk/ events or telephone: 01959 532269

Sat 9 Sept 3pm

Keep it Local Craft Show

Come, peruse and buy the best in local products

Fri 15th / Sat 16th & Sun 17th Sept 10am - 4.30pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Sat 23rd Sept 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local event

Knockholt Art Club Exhibition

Sat 23 & Sun 24th Sept

Horticultural Show of Shows

The Horticultural Associations and Societies of Kent compete in a fun competition to see who really is the best. Come along and see what ‘Growing Your Own’ is all about. With special guest Rob Smith, winner ‘The Big Allotment Challenge 2016’.

Sat 30th Sept 12noon - 4pm (restricted viewing from 10am)

Morris Registery Meeting of the Morris Registry Car Club

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rd

Sun 1st Oct 10am - 4pm

Antiques Valuation Day

Celebrity TV antiques experts Catherine Southon and Mark Stacey.

Sun 8th Oct 10am - 3pm

NEW Antiques & Collectables Fair

Get something new or old with a wonderful selection to choose from.

Fri 20th / Sat 21st & Sun 22nd Oct 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Sat 28th Oct 10am - 4pm

Ian Bowles Artist Exhibition

Exhibition of wildlife in watercolour.

Sun 19th Nov 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local Food & Produce Market

A treat for all foodies!

Sat 25th Nov 10am - 4pm

Ian Bowles Artist Exhibition

Exhibition of wildlife in watercolour.

Sun 26th Nov 10am - 4pm

Keep it Local Christmas Craft Show & Food Market

Make your Christmas shopping easy, with a relaxed atmosphere and something local and loved.

Gifts for everyone at the largest craft show of the year.

Fri 1st / Sat 2nd & Sun 3rd Dec 10am - 4.30pm

Ian Bowles Artist Exhibition 24

Exhibition of wildlife in watercolour.

Sun 3rd Dec 10am - 4pm

ep e K & f 08 f o l l u P

Excursions with Coolings All of these events must be pre booked at www.coolings.co.uk/events or telephone 01959 532269 Brighton and Fly on the new i360 See Page 5

Fri 6th Oct 2017

£65 per person

RAF Duxford See Page 6

Thurs 19th Oct 2017

£65 per person

Bombay Sapphire Distillery See Page 8

Thurs 2nd Nov 2017

£65 per person

Portsmouth – A Victorian Christmas See Page 9

Fri 1st Dec 2017

£65 per person

Christmas Lights at Kew See Page 10

Thurs 7th Dec 2017

£69 per person

Spring in the Isles of Scilly _ Holiday See Page 12

Fri 18th Thurs 24th May 2018

£1099 per person

Great Gardens of Cornwall _ Holiday See Page 14

Sun 17th Thurs 21st June 2018

£959 per person

Spectacular French Gardens _ Holiday See Page 18

Thurs 13th Mon 17th Sept 2018

£989 per person

Tuscan Treasures Tour _ See Page 20

Thurs 4th Weds 10th Oct 2018

£999 per person

(early bird rate available until 24.12.17)

(early bird rate available until 24.12.17)

(early bird rate available until 24.12.17)

(early bird rate available until 24.12.17) Flights not inc.