Through all these cheerless covid months and ghastly weather, the snowdrops have been silently pushing up through the cold, sodden ground. Their delicate flowers, surely could not be more welcome. Restrictions have forced the abandonment of the National Garden Scheme Snowdrop Festival however, some gates of a smattering of gardens will be open across the … Continue reading Snowdrops
Thralling Thenford
Last month I was delighted to be able to visit Thenford, Northamptonshire on one of its open days. A very private and expansive garden it is the stately home of Lord and Lady Heseltine who acquired it in 1976. As we swept through the imposing gates we had no idea what to expect, other than … Continue reading Thralling Thenford
Charismatic Kiftsgate Court
Kiftsgate is a garden that has been on my list for some years, and, staying in Oxfordshire recently we chanced the weather and caught one of the last days of opening for the year. Many of you may already know this famous garden and if you don't I encourage you to look at its very … Continue reading Charismatic Kiftsgate Court
The Sculpture Park at the Sainsbury Centre
The other evening I was invited through an alternative Garden Gate, to a special tour of the Sculptures sited around the large campus of the University of East Anglia. Situated in a landscape of some 350 acres, a large lake and the river Yare, this is remarkably, an unknown delight, except maybe to those who … Continue reading The Sculpture Park at the Sainsbury Centre
Paget House, an inspired modern design, near Saxmundham, Suffolk
Last Saturday I combined calling in on my cousin with a visit to an intriguing garden open for the National Garden Scheme. Entrance was by slipping through the back gate into an informal area, and for a moment I wondered if I had come the right way. The plan eased my mind and was a … Continue reading Paget House, an inspired modern design, near Saxmundham, Suffolk
Furzelea, a fantastic fusion of flora.
It is always a delight to find a garden gate open for the National Garden Scheme on a Wednesday. So on my way to pick up some items for my own garden from Lime Avenue Antiques https://limeavenueantiques.co.uk/ I called into Furzelea at Danbury near Chelmsford in Essex. As I entered the enforced one way system … Continue reading Furzelea, a fantastic fusion of flora.
38 Chapel Street, Ely
Hurrah, the National Garden Scheme has begun to open some of its gardens. The system has changed a little and I had to go the website to pre-book my ticket online beforehand, which was perfectly easy and I found a small garden in Ely. It is such a long time since I have been anywhere … Continue reading 38 Chapel Street, Ely
Towering above the landscape
On the edge of Castle Acre village in West Norfolk stands a rusty old water tower. Apparently a Braithwaite type (the name refers to the manufacturer), it was originally constructed for nearby RAF Massingham during WWII, and afterwards recycled and moved to Castle Acre where it was decommissioned in the early 90s. Left to stand … Continue reading Towering above the landscape
Something a little special in Spencer Road
Last Thursday number 7 Spencer Road, situated by Wandsworth Common in London was open for the National Garden Scheme, an evening opening beginning at 5.30pm. It so happens that I look after my grandson on a Thursday nearby so it seemed an opportunity not to miss, with the added fact of course, the young chap … Continue reading Something a little special in Spencer Road
The Garden Gate is Open at Tudor Lodgings.
There are an incredible 340 gardens open for the National Garden Scheme during August. Sadly I have been unable to visit any so far partly because I am busy with my own garden being one of the 340, added to which my 'under-gardener' had an unfortunate accident resulting in him being confined to crutches and … Continue reading The Garden Gate is Open at Tudor Lodgings.
