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.
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:
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!
We were fortunate to be invited to join a tour of 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.
Tudor House built in the 1500's
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:
One of the statues amongst the flowers.More of the garden.
Mr J Sellick, 2nd from left, explaining a point
Our cream teas, on the terrace.
The Georgian facade covered in wisteria and banksia rose
Piggy back by Mary Cox
Mr Bennet's Daughter by Philip Jackson.
Sarah by Jenny Wynne-Jones
Boy
Horse
Manta Rays by James Milborrow
Future events are :