Hospice gardens do not immediately spring to mind as 'must go to visit attraction'. However while on child care duties in south London last weekend I took the opportunity to visit The Royal Trinity Hospice, Clapham Common which kindly opened its gates to the public in aid of the National Garden Scheme. The Hospice, with … Continue reading The Royal Trinity Hospice
Beguiling Burghley
Set within a large delightful park designed by Capability Brown, there is much for a visitor to do at Burghley in normal times: https://www.burghley.co.uk/about-us . Many will know the landscape from enjoying walks around the park, or a visit to the Sculpture Garden and the Garden of Surprises, and many will know Burghley from the … Continue reading Beguiling Burghley
Snowdrops
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
The Garden Gate is Open 