North America is currently captivated by season three of the high manners and high drama of Masterpiece Theater’s “Downton Abbey.” Shot on location at Highclere Castle, just west of London, England, it is a good reminder that old estates are excellent places to find mature tree specimens.
Some very fortunate Magnolia Society members will find that out first hand this March when they meet up for our England tour. They will have the opportunity to visit some particularly lovely English estates -- including Caerhays Castle, Borde Hill, and Wakehurst Place on the upcoming trip to Cornwall and Southeast England in February.
Alas, this tour -- led by Jim Gardiner, Director of Horticulture for the world-renowned Royal Horticulture Society, former Magnolia Society president, and author of Magnolias: A Gardener's Guideis already sold out. But you can still either join the waiting list by contacting Just Go! Holidays -- or plan to live vicariously through the photos and collected observations that will be posted on our website during the tour.
In the meantime, as you watch the lush landscape settings on “Downton Abbey” this season, keep an eye out for magnolias. It might be just the excuse you need to go back and re-watch seasons one and two!
