John Innes Centre, Norwich.

We were privileged to be taken on a tour of the site by Dr Steve Rawsthorne, JICs Science Operations Manager and view the collection of rare books with Sarah Willmott.  The John Inness Centre is the worlds leading plant and microable research centre which delivers innovative worldclass bioscience research and training.  I found the Metabolite Services Room most interesting with some fabulous pieces of scientific equipment.

A very early book dated 1536, Herbalario Vulgare, was open at a page with a picture of a mandrake - Harry Potter fans will know this plant.  The illustrations in publications were stunning and retained their colour.  I particularly liked the front plate of a 1823 volume of Sibthorpe.

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A few members visited Wymondham Heritage Museum, courtyard garden and tearoom for refreshments before proceeding to our afternoon garden visit.  This is well worth a visit so please check the website www.wymondhamheritagemuseum.co.uk.

Sallowfield Cottage, Silfield.

The cottage was once a dairy and the owner has developed a wonderful substantial traditional English garden on a rich and fertile soil surrounding a large pond.  It was a pleasure to sit in the garden on the verandah overlooking the pond having refreshments, listening to the birds and enjoying the scents from virburnum and other highly scented plants at this time of year.

article and photographs by Linda Hall