A Letter from America

A LETTER FROM AMERICA

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- A Letter from America

June 3, 2006

Dear Alexandra,

What a lovely letter you sent us. Thank you for your thoughtful and very kind words about our group. I have heard nothing but rave reviews from the participants since arriving home. I do believe that we are all wishing for cold and rain in lieu of the heat and humidity we are experiencing in Houston.

I believe the highlights for me on the trip were the gardens with personalities involved. This would include Kirby House and Catherine, Caroline Todhunter, Abby House and yes, even Ian and Barbara, Mary Ann Robb, Lady Arran and Castle Hill, the Chittendens, Hampton Court and Todd and Alistair Cook and Lambeth Palace.

However, I thoroughly enjoyed the gardens at Hestercombe and Rosemoor as well and am happy to have seen them. I probably agree that East Lambrook was my least favorite but this was probably due to fact that we have seen and experienced so many fabulous gardens prior to our visit there.

Champagne at Todd’s home will always be remembered as a wonderful adventure. I probably would enjoy a return visit as there was so much to see. He was charming!

Penelope’s class at the Chelsea Physic Garden was indeed special. I felt as though I was back in school, taking notes and soaking in her comments on garden philosophy. I am looking forward to sharing her opinions with our Rienzi Garden Sub Committee in two weeks. Rienzi is a home and garden bequeathed to our Museum of Fine Arts and our club has been actively involved with the restoration of the gardens.

At the flower show, I would have enjoyed a brief explanation about the history of the show.

Of course, I am very happy that I changed my plans to make the special trip to Highgrove. It was a lovely day in spite of mud and rain.

I enjoyed all three hotels and would make return visits to them in the future. The farewell dinner was a grand idea. Jonathan was very gracious and charming and Tim was a wonderful and entertaining dinner partner for me.

You were a highlight on the trip. I appreciate your careful and brilliant planning of each day and your warmth, enthusiasm and charming personality. I do hope that I will have the chance to travel with you again. I will be thinking about this and the type of trip my friends, non-garden club members, would enjoy. Every member of your staff was delightful and helpful.

I hope that you have a very enjoyable summer. I am glad that we were able to meet your daughter and mother.

With warm regards,

Terry Dalton