Visit to The Laskett Gardens.
The Laskett Gardens, set in the idyllic countryside of Herefordshire on the Welsh borders, are the creation of Sir Roy Strong CH and his late wife Julia Trevelyan Oman CBE.
The gardens – created from a bare field – were begun in 1974 and have continued to evolve ever since. They are the creative fruit of a happy marriage between two people who were at the centre of the arts for much of the latter half of the twentieth century. That story is uniquely etched into the gardens evoking friendships and associations with people as diverse as the photographer and designer, Sir Cecil Beaton, and the choreographer Sir Frederick Ashton as well as recalling artists such as John Piper and Ian Hamilton Finlay. Nor should the visitor ever forget that this is the kingdom of the cat from the Lady Torte de Shell down to today’s Lettice and Perkins. All are lovingly celebrated and remembered in this four acre patch of Herfordshire soil.
The ex-director of the National Portrait Gallery and Victoria & Albert Museum, Sir Roy Strong, now pursues a freelance career as writer, consultant and broadcaster and continues an active role in overseeing the gardens.
Prior to the visit to Laskett Gardens, an optional lunch has been arranged at The Cottage of Content in the idyllic hamlet of Carey, Herefordshire. It is a traditional country pub and restaurant serving delicious food, good wines and real ale. Please note that the application form asks you to register your interest if you wish to have lunch.
