HASLEMERE Gardening Society members spent a most enjoyable evening in the company of Paul Gallivan, head gardener at Woolbeding Gardens just outside Midhurst.

He talked about the history of the house and garden right back to the 16th century.

He also explained how the house had always been altered with each new owner, and how the garden was now of 21st century design and evolving all the time.

Members were told of the replacement of a very old and unstable tree with a tall modern water feature.

In the garden and surrounding parkland are several ’ruins’ which appear to be of historic significance but are actually quite modern.

The property is now owned by the National Trust and is open for visits from April for the summer months, on Thusdays and Fridays.

It can only be accessed by minibus from Cowdray car park by prior booking due to the narrowness of the roads.

Despite these difficulties, it is well-worth the trouble and makes a most enjoyable garden visit.

The lecture was very well-attended with the Catholic Hall being almost full for the last but one get-together before Christmas.

The final event of the year was the always-enjoyed Christmas Party at The Georgian Hotel.