It was back in the late summer of 2022 that members of the FOGG working party had the pleasure of meeting a former resident:
“On Thursday, whilst in the Glen, I was delighted to meet, by chance, Pat Bassett, who remembers running around the grounds and paddling in the stream. Her grandfather was Dr. Cohen, a private GP, who lived there. It was a Trust, set up by Pat’s father (a banker) who sold the property, in 1965, for development.”
22nd September 2022 – Friends of Glen Goyle
And over time, Pat and her brother David Bassett provided the FOGG project with fascinating detail of the history of the site:
Uncovering the past along the Glen – Friends of Glen Goyle
Including some of the arboreal and plant history of the former gardens:
The magical trees of Asherton House Garden – Friends of Glen Goyle
Pat and David have been very generous over the last two years – with Pat donating a whole lot of spring bulbs for the Glen:
FOGG @ the Arboretum’s celebration of trees – reports! – Friends of Glen Goyle
And David has provided a very generous grant – for the FOGG project to decide which shrubs to put in. Members of the working party have bought shrubs, largely based on the suggestions of EDDC Horticultural Officer Paul Fealey in terms of suitability for the site.
Last week some camellia were put in:
Camellia plantlings along the Glen – Friends of Glen Goyle
This week a whole host of shrubs were planted – with the full list here supplied by FOGG volunteer John Hopkins:
- 2 x Crinodendren hookerianum, Chilean Lanterns [planted earlier, at the entrances to the Goyle]
- 5 x Camellias
- 3 x Azaleas
- 1 x Hydrangea
- 1 x Rhododendren white
- 1 x Skimmia
- 1 x Photinia
- 2 x Pieris
As John said before planting, “We hope to create a bed by the sunny seat by the old lawn area. The old Bassett garden.”
And so this Thursday’s volunteer working party put the remaining shrubs in that spot.
As FOGG volunteer Phil Lee said,:
“Three keen volunteers spent an enjoyable morning planting eleven shrubs purchased with part of the donation very kindly given to FOGG by the Bassetts. David and Pat’s memories of playing in the top area, as children, have been so enjoyable, and helpful, as we try to bring some of the charm back to the gardens.“
7th March 2024 – Friends of Glen Goyle
With a photo taken of the results:
Photo by FOGG volunteer Phil Lee
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