At the end of Oct 2010 we visited Scotney Castle to see the autumn colours. We were fortunate in the weather and Prue took some fabulous pictures which I set out below for you to enjoy. We look forward to May when the Azelias are at their peak.
All posts by Andrew
Merriments Gardens
On Saturday the 24th April we visited another of our favourite gardens near us, Merriments Gardens. This garden covers about 4 acres, and is always worth a visit. This visit was to see the most marvelous display of tulips of every imaginable colour, as well as many trees in full blossom. The gardeners have really laid out an incredible display. We like the way they label most of the plants in the garden so we can choose those we would like for our own garden.
The garden should be visited several times a year, as, as summer progresses, so does the garden!
Our pictures can only give you an idea of the splendor, so please try and get to the garden soon to see them for yourself.
I managed to get a picture of Prue and our dog, Lettie, enjoying the view from one of the many benches scattered around the garden:
We often sit quietly in the bird hide to see the some of the over 25 species of birds that feed right in front of you.
The site has a garden terrace restaurant, fantastic nursery and gift shop to fill your every need.
Finchcocks visit on Kent Big Day Out
We applied on the ballot for this years Kent Big Day Out event and were fortunate to get our preferred venue, Finchcocks Musical Museum just outside Goudhurst. Due to a prior engagement for lunch we only made the second half of a most enjoyable afternoon, starting off with a cream tea in the cellar restaurant. We then spent time looking at the collection of over 100 historical keyboard instruments and some of their collection of photographs and prints.
We then assembled for a memorable musical recital by Richard Burnett, Gary and Alastair.
A selection of our photographs:
The recital concluded by Finchcocks curator Alastair Laurence entertaining us with two pieces including Springdance from Bergen.
Please include Finchcocks in your itinary when visiting Kent- opening times are on their website:
Sissinghurst Gardens opens for the new season
Monday 15th March
We made our first visit of the year to Sissinghurst . After the cold winter all the spring bulbs are much later than last year, but we were pleased to see the abundance of crocus, snowdrops and winter aconite in glorious bloom. It was a lovely day with plenty of sunshine.
We enjoyed seeing the garden in this early stage as we are so used to seeing the huge variety of flowers that we are used to in mid summer. We share below some of the photographs we took today.
The spring garden or the Lime Walk as it is also known.
A close up of a bee enjoying the early blooms:
A view of the Orchard where in a few days the daffodils will share this space: (we will update the picture when they are out in a new posting)
The Sissinghurst farmers market made its first appearance of the year. It will then be on the first Monday of every month. Come and buy some of the wonderful local produce.
We were also pleasantly surprised to see tables and chairs out in the open for us to enjoy lunch or tea from the Granary Restaurant, most of the vegetables and salads are grown on site during the summer. This is a recent innovation.
The winter aconite (Eranthis Hyemalis) in bloom:
26th June 2009
Bull Farm Oast is in Cranbrook, Kent and is near Sissinghurst, Great Dixter and
Pashley Manor gardens. Other gardens to visit nearby include Merriments,
Marle Place and Hole Park. We are centrally situated for a number of National
Trust Properties in Kent and East Sussex. Please come and stay with us as a central base to explore the area.
We look forward to meeting you!
14th May visit to Pashley Manor Gardens
We assembled on the lawn in front of the Tudor house and were introduced to Pashley Manor Gardens by Mr James Sellick, the owner.
The tour took us via the new visitor centre into the garden where we were fortunate to see the sculptures arranged around the garden for sculpture week which is running from the 16th to 28th May 2009. Some of the pictures we took are set out below:
Scotney Castle in Springtime
We went to Scotney today. This is the best time of the year to see the the Azelias so go now.