Once we had loaded our packed lunches onto the bus, off we went!  We were so excited to be able to go on one of the first outings since returning from lockdown. 

The day was packed full of scientific information about plants. We started with a workshop about how plants grow. During this session we learnt about how plants obtain the raw material for growth and how they collect water and sunlight in order to be able to photosynthesise. We planted our very own seeds, which we were able to take home.

This was followed by a guided tour through some of the beautiful winding paths, teeming with fragrant flowers and buds ready to burst open; here we were able to look at how different plants have such diverse leaf structures and flowers for survival. We ended up standing by the Giant Redwoods of Wisley (and these were just baby trees!). We found out that the Giant Redwoods are the biggest trees on the planet, reaching heights of 275 feet and having trunks with a circumference of 31 metres - some of these trees live for 3000 years!

After our delicious packed lunches we set off on a self-guided tour, led by Mrs Rogerson and Miss Hopkins. We were able to visit the fruit plantation and allotments, where we saw a lot of rhubarb, apple blossom, blackcurrant and raspberry bushes, then onto Battleson Hill. Here, we were immersed in the fragrance of the rhododendron plant, which smelt like sweet candyfloss. 

As we made our way back through the gardens we saw the beautiful Bonsai trees; some of these were 75 years old! We learnt that Bon means pot and Sai means plant – pot-plant.  Bonsai trees originated in China 2000 years ago and have since also become popular in Korea and Japan.  We visited the exotic garden and cottage garden en route back to the education centre.

To finish the day, we were able to put our artistic talents to use and spent some quality time drawing some of the beautiful scenes and plants that are at Wisley. We were so pleased to have visited such a beautiful place and we have learnt so much about plants.

Victoria Rogerson, Head of Science