Berkshire
Gardens Trust
Reg.Charity No.1201501

GUIDED TOUR OF OLD CAMPS

NEWBURY ROAD, HEADLEY, BERKSHIRE, RG19 8LG
Friday 21st July 2023 at 2pm (nb not 17th July as previously advertised)

We are very pleased to invite you to join us in a privately arranged visit to Old Camps, a breathtakingly lovely garden set in two acres with panoramic views of Watership Down. Garden owner, landscape designer and National Garden Scheme volunteer, Adam Vetere will welcome us and guide us through his carefully planned planting groups, terraces and garden rooms which give the impression of a far larger garden.  

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Adam graduated from London College of Garden Design in 2019. In 2022 he won two awards, for the Best Soft Landscape and the overall APL Designer of the Year 2022 for his Ravine Garden. 

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The garden at Old Camps is situated on the site of a Roman encampment.   In 1929, the land for Old Camps was purchased by a Mr and Mrs Punter who entrusted an architect friend to design a 1920s bungalow, making reference to its Roman links. In 2007, Old Camps was purchased by Adam and Heidi Vetere. Whilst the building has seen major structural change, with a glass atrium at its heart, the house now boasts an indoor, arid garden in acknowledgement of its past history.

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A large part of the gardens was finished in 2016, the final piece being the formal potager which supplies the house with fresh fruit and vegetables for most of the year. Since then, the multi-award winning Ravine Garden, Courtyard Garden, Orto and Woodland Walk have been constructed, with the Courtyard Garden completed in February 2022.  The maturity of these gardens is astonishing.

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As a taster for 21st July, you can learn more about Old Camps at https://www.oldcamps.co.uk/.

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Our private visit will include:
•    A 2 hour guided visit around the gardens;
•    A tea and homemade cakes after the tour;
•    Time to explore on your own.
 

Booking: Tickets are £28 for BGT members and £30 for non-members. Parking will be free for everyone – details to follow in the Joining Instructions. 

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There is a maximum number of 25 people for this event. Early booking is highly recommended. Car parking is also limited to a maximum of 12 cars so car sharing will be helpful.  We will advise attendees of alternative parking in the Joining Instructions.

 

Accessibility:

Old Camps is at Headley, south of Thatcham.  Detailed directions will be sent to attendees on booking.  Steps and gravel.  Unfortunately the garden is not suitable for wheelchair users. 
 

Please let Kim know at BerksGTmembership@gmail.com if you think you may have access difficulties or dietry restrictions.