All posts by Andrew

Autumn Garden

We received a delightful e-mail from one guests just the other day:

Just to say thank you once more for a lovely stay – the room was great, the shower was awesome and we really enjoyed our conversation with you. Oh yes, and the breakfast was amazing.
Annie, our guest, also took some photographs while staying with us from her bedroom window of the beautiful autumn colours in our garden.

2083820836Acer palmatum cv. in private garden, autumn colour.

Spring bluebells

We took advantage of the good weather and walked through our local wood, Robins Wood, about 400 yards from us. The bluebells are now in full flower and we thought we would share a picture of our dog Lettie on one of the paths:

Lettie, in Robins Wood

 

 

April 2013

We have visited two gardens during the last two weeks. Our first visit was to Pashley Manor Gardens. Our visit was just before the start of the annual  Tulip Festival.  Due to the long winter the tulips are late this year and will probably be their best in early May and Pashley are extending the festival due to the late flowering. This year they have planted more than 22000 tulips.

The gardens are immaculate as always and have many new Statues and sculptures for sale.

This is a view of the house from the far side of the lake with one of the black swans have a good look at us.

 

One of the new Statues.

 

The first of the tulips to flower this year.

 

We then visited Sissinghurst Castle Gardens today (29 April) and were pleased with the timing of our visit as the late spring has had the effect of a profusion of spring colour in the lime walk, better than we have ever seen in all the years we have been visiting the garden.

 

One of our Lime Walk pictures.

 

And another Lime Walk picture

 

And another!

 

And a view from the far end of the Lime Walk:

 

 

We then went through to the white garden and were pleased to see some early flowers in bloom:

 

 

 

Evan the Delos garden has benefited from the weather and is another mass of colour:

The Delos Garden

 

Leaving the garden one has a fabulous view of the Oast houses:

 

The Oast Houses

Both Knole and Sissinghust Castle are celebrating the 100 years since the marriage of Harold Nicolson and Vita Sackville-West in 1913. A new display is due to open on the 1st May:

 

 

 

 

Hole Park Gardens – Bluebell Season!

We chose the perfect time to visit Hole Park Gardens-Late afternoon, the sun was casting long shadows on the vibrant green grass.

The bluebells and wild garlic along the woodland walkwere breathtaking.

 

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Some of our walks in the local area.

We have a few photographs taken from some of our walks in the local area. We have pictures from Hastings Country Park, a walk around Lamberhurst, a stroll around Sissinghurst Estate where the volunteers made us tea on an open fire, and a Christmas walk with the family in Robins Wood , which is just across the road from our home.

 

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Autumn Walk in Bedgebury Pinetum

Some photos from a recent walk through the Pinetum. We can reach this by following bridal ways and footpaths from the end of Bishops Lane, which passes our gate.

Bedgebury forest and the pinetum are open all year, and have concerts in the summer months. Cycling in the forest is very popular all year round.

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Bodiam Castle with old friends.

We had a visit from old friends from South Africa, who we had not seen for 23 years. Andy and Graham had started Primary School together more than 60 years ago and we took the opportunity of their visit to show them another local attraction, Bodiam Castle. We enjoy taking our dog, Lettie for walks around the castle, but she is disappointed about not being allowed inside!

A view of the Rother Valley, taken from Bodiam car park.
The mystical castle across the moat.
Andy and Maureen crossing the moat.
While we were in the castle Prue and Lettie circle the moat.
All back together, a photo of the group, taken by Prue.
Andy, Graham, Maureen and Pauline reminiscing over old school pictures.

Sissinghurst Gardens open this year.

We are fortunate to have so many National Trust Properties around us in the south east, none closer than the wonderful Sissinghurst Gardens, almost on our doorstep. We were able to visit for the final time last year, on the closing day, and were back on a beautifully sunny day last Saturday for this years reopening.

The first thing we noticed was that they have purchased a new transport buggy to take those who need it, to and from the car park to the entrance. Apparently it was part funded from the proceeds of the raffle!

Also new this year is a introductory talk given 4 times a day on the Plain, in front of the ticket office. An interesting talk called Family Ties, giving a brief history of the property and the families that have lived at Sissinghurst. Most enlightening and worth trying to catch.

Prue enjoyed taking some pictures of the garden in its early awakening stage, and look forward to seeing it soon in its full glory.

The board as you go in showing the gardeners tasks.

 

The orchard with some of the early spring flowers.

 

The cottage garden almost dormant

 

The cottage Garden July 2010

 

The lime walk

 

The purple border is also just awakening.

 

January visit to Dungeness

Last  Sunday was such a beautiful winters day, so we decided to indulge ourselves, and have a fish and chips lunch at the famous Pilot Inn at Dungeness. After our hearty meal, we and our dog, set off to get some exercise and explore the wonderful scenery. Again we are happy to share some of our photos with you.

Prue on the stoney beach with our dog, Lettie.

Derek Jarman’s cottage with the raised verse on the wall.
The Romney, Hythe and Dymchurch train about to leave on last homeward journey of the day.
A full head of steam, and off we go.
Chug, Chug and Chug…..
The sun is setting, and time to wend our way home…..
PS a quick snap of the newest lighthouse as we pass by