The Garden Gate was open wide for the new Horatio's Garden at the spinal unit at Stoke Mandeville Hospital Horatio's Garden Horatio's Garden is one of the beneficiary charities of The National Garden Scheme, and several of us were privileged to be able, at the official opening last Sunday, to mingle amongst the amazing patients and … Continue reading Horatio’s Garden at Stoke Mandeville
National Garden Scheme
Madingley Hall, gardens and health. (8/18)
Having spent a tedious morning on the phone to the Department of Work & Pensions, followed by a lengthy call to BT to try and sort out longstanding internet problems, I decided it was time to visit a garden and restore my equilibrium. Twitter brought my attention to the fact that Madingley Hall was opening its … Continue reading Madingley Hall, gardens and health. (8/18)
Great Thurlow Hall, wet, wet, wet.(6/18).
Last Sunday was yet another wet, wet, wet day. Unable to work in my own garden and combined with Easter excess I decided that the only thing was to visit another garden. As I approached Great Thurlow Hall in Suffolk through a deluge of rain, signs of Spring were just visible on those manicured hedges … Continue reading Great Thurlow Hall, wet, wet, wet.(6/18).
5 Burbage Road, Herne Hill; a tiny touch of Spring.
Following the book launch of the National Garden Scheme's Gardens to Visit at the Royal Festival Hall last Thursday I decided to walk along the Thames, jump on a train at London Bridge and travel to North Dulwich. As I walked the 5 minutes down Half Moon Lane the sun came out and there was a feeling … Continue reading 5 Burbage Road, Herne Hill; a tiny touch of Spring.
Houghton Hall Walled Garden; all wrapped up and waiting. (3/18)
Last month Norfolk NGS was privileged to be invited by the Marquess of Cholmondeley to launch the 2018 booklet in the Stable Cafe at Houghton Hall. Nationally the NGS is the single biggest donor to Marie Curie and over delicious plates of sausage rolls and cake we listened to eloquent speakers from the charity … Continue reading Houghton Hall Walled Garden; all wrapped up and waiting. (3/18)
Pembroke College, a peaceful and pretty peramble. (1/18)
It is just over a year ago now that I began to blog about my garden visits. The first was Robinson College, Cambridge and I remember being surprised it was open on 2nd January. It is still very much open for the NGS and I thoroughly recommend a visit: Robinson College However finding myself back in … Continue reading Pembroke College, a peaceful and pretty peramble. (1/18)
T’was the week before Christmas. (*****)
T'was the week before Christmas I’d finished the year Ninety great gardens so far and so near The stockings were hung on the gateposts with care In the hope that the NGS raised such good fare All gardeners now were so snug in their beds With visions of plum trees that danced in their heads … Continue reading T’was the week before Christmas. (*****)
42 Falconer Road, all a twinkle in Bushey. (88)
When I began my Ninety Garden Adventure back in January, I did not imagine that there would still be gardens opening in November. The entry in Gardens to View appeared encouraging if not a little intriguing especially with the opening time advertised as 4pm. I could not resist a visit on my circuitous route to London. The … Continue reading 42 Falconer Road, all a twinkle in Bushey. (88)
Lakeside House, a welcome and watery restoration. (87)
The calendar of garden visiting is on pause now, and with the skiing season fast approaching one of the gardens I look back at with fondness, is the extraordinary garden at Brundall, once known as 'The Switzerland of Norfolk'. The garden was created in 1880 by a Dr Beverley who, along with planting an arboretum, … Continue reading Lakeside House, a welcome and watery restoration. (87)
Ramster, open for 90 glorious years. (86)
I cannot draw to the end of my 'ninety' without including the historic rambling wooded gardens of Ramster in Surrey. It was one of the original 609 gardens that opened for the NGS back in 1927 and has opened every successive year since. It is the only other garden along with Sandringham to hold such … Continue reading Ramster, open for 90 glorious years. (86)
