Today I went on an open garden trail in my own village. It is amazing that you can live in a place for so long and not realise what is hidden behind the Northamptonshire stone walls. Houses that may look ordinary conceal lovingly tended plots full of character and riots of colour. Want to have a look?
This little detail comes from my favourite garden of the day. It belongs to a garden designer, so I knew it would be lovely, but actually it was breathtaking. A series of 'rooms,' on one side flanked by old stone walls, which then open out and lead down to the river bank. There were formal areas near to the house....
Quirkier spaces...
And a wilder area, with a retired pony (39 years old) and chickens....
Before a walk down to the river's edge.
Peering through the hedge to the house next door, I was intrigued to spot this old building through the trees.
What a wonderful hideaway that would be.
This gorgeous delphinium was in Pat and Ken's garden. It reminds me of those vintage tablecloths with cottage garden embroidery. Pat's delphiniums were ridiculously strong and healthy but she insisted that she doesn't feed them or give them any special treatment. Jealous!!
I loved the stone floor in this part of Jackie's beautiful garden. The pile of stone for sale was being snapped up as I arrived. We have a lot of limestone in the area where we live, it has a wonderfully mellow tone.
I toured the village allotments and enjoyed being talked through one plot by a retired man who spends 18 hours a week working on his. The rain had just started to fall as I reached him, so I didn't take any photos, although I did snap these extremely happy looking and healthy hens as I arrived.
A very sociable way to spend the afternoon. I went on my own as Perry and youngest son have gone away for the week to celebrate the end of GCSEs. Eldest is just home from uni and he is catching up on sleep and watching quite a lot of football matches before he starts his holiday job next week.
I hope you enjoyed your Sunday, wherever you may be.
Lovely photos and nice to bump into you again. We really enjoyed the trail too. There were some beautiful gardens, so lovingly tended. Your favourite was my favourite too - stunning!
ReplyDeleteYes, lovely to see you too! That garden was really something special. Every plant looked so glossy and upright and there were some unusual ones as well.
DeleteWhat beautiful pictures today, I love the stones that are selling fast and the chickens - that garden is so absolutely perfect, I would love to sit in it.
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you liked the pictures. Yes, that garden was a beautiful place to spend time. In fact, they all were.
DeleteI'd love to know how Pat keeps the slugs away from her delphiniums. Lovely pics. That plate in your new header is GORGEOUS.
ReplyDeleteHi Fiona, I did ask almost every gardener about slugs, and some did say they used pellets but Pat said not! And she raised her delphiniums from seed...
DeleteWe did that yesterday too! I do like a nosey round other peoples gardens as you never know what's hiding behind those walls x
ReplyDeleteThank you for your lovely tour,
ReplyDeletexx
How gorgeous, its just so interesting and good fun looking at beautiful ideas especially gardens.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely day xx
Hugs Lynn xxx
What a lovely way to have spent the day, and you took such beautiful photos to share. You're right about being surprised by some people's gardens; a few years back I visited a neighbours open garden around the corner and they had a small sit on train on a track in theirs!
ReplyDeleteWe did exactly the same thing this weekend :-)! Isn't it the perfect way to get lots and lots of ideas for your own garden?! You saw some beautiful places. Ah....to have your own pony in the garden......!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a Happy week!
Madelief x
It is perfect Madelief! I got so many ideas and have been really busy gardening ever since. When I was a girl, my dream was to have a pony in my garden!!
DeleteThat is SUCH a darling pony!!! Lovely pictures!!
ReplyDeleteHe was lovely, and so well cared for by the family.
DeleteLovely photos...and what a sweet looking pony. It must have been chicken siesta time when you arrived :o)
ReplyDeleteHehe, yes, they were looking quite sleepy and well fed!
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