Dauntsey Village Gardens

This group of 5 gardens, abounding in ponds, croquet lawns, swimming pools and tennis courts, is centred around the historic Dauntsey Park Estate with its classical C18 country house in the setting of Dauntsey Park, with spacious lawns, old trees and views over the river Avon.

Loved the carving of the Green Man in the tree stump.








In one garden there were some interesting representations of wild life

The old church interior was quite amazing. Above the alter, painted on off cuts of logs, was a colourful collage of brimstone, hell and damnation that the congregation could look upon in the long sermons of a similar nature. Apparently many churches had these but most were wrecked or dismantle during the reformation. The parish priest here plastered over it and thus ensured its survival to be now one of only five left in England.

Titilating Tyntesfield

One of the national trusts latest properties - still work in progress.

After a hearty brunch in Scarletts on Clevedon sea front, and a stroll along the prom, we headed off for a wander round Tyntesfield. You could be forgiven for thinking it was designed by the owners of Bletchley Park - ie bits stuck on the building at varying times with scant regard for what went before :)

Tyntesfield is a Victorian Gothic Revival house and estate. The house is a Grade I listed building named after the Tynte baronets who had owned estates in the area since about 1500. the Georgian mansion was built in the 1830s. In the 1860s Gibbs had the house significantly expanded and remodelled; a chapel was added in the 1870s. The Gibbs family owned the house until the death of Richard Gibbs in 2001. Tyntesfield was purchased by the National Trust in June 2002.

Whilst the house and the heat exchange complex has much interest, and some fabulous trees on display, it also has an aviary with no birds, a lake with no water and a rose garden with barely any roses - as I say work in progress. To compensate there was a display of classic cars and motorbikes.

Midweek Meander

When weather like this hits the UK you can't just sit around. So it was up to the Cotswolds, in bright sunshine, to the Manors of  Rockcliffe and Campden. Topiary abounded, vistas were amazing, croquet lawns and tea n cakes provided :)

Rockliffe

This is a large traditional English garden, around 8 acres which includes pink garden, white and blue garden, herbaceous border, rose terrace, large walled kitchen garden and orchard. Greenhouses and pathway of topiary birds lead up through an orchard to a stone dovecot.

Campden

As you get to the end of a very long drive you are greeted with a breath taking view of the manor house and its spectacular C17 tythe barn. The flora was spectacular and the walk round the lake ended in true fashion with tea on the lawn.

Alan B'Stard est mort

Oh no! Another one bites the dust. The amazing Rik Mayall is gone :'-( http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-27770266

Ade Edmondson sumed it up like this : "There were times when Rik and I were writing together when we almost died laughing.

They were some of the most carefree stupid days I ever had, and I feel privileged to have shared them with him.

"And now he's died for real. Without me. Selfish bastard."

He really was amazin!

Another Colourful Weekend

Bright sunshine inspired another garden foray into gardens to the north and south of Gloucestershire.

Shuttifield

When Mr and Mrs Judge first moved to the cottage at Storridge, near Malvern in 1966, it was a two-up two- down with no garden. But after purchasing various parcels of land, beginning in 1981, the garden has continued to grow and evolve. The grounds now boast 30 acres of gardens and woodlands – awash with flora and fauna at this time of the year – four natural ponds and a small deer park.

North Cerney

Set in a valley in the Cotswolds Cerney House sits amid a landscape composed of lawn, wildflower meadow and mature trees, including one of the largest aspen poplars in the country. To the rear is the heart of the garden, rectangular, gently sloping walled garden. A woodland of mature beeches sit aside an orchard with easy to walk paths. Also poppies and peonies were in full bloom alongside a beautiful laburnum arch.

An outstanding feature was found, not in the garden, but in the tea room :) Not the usual Victoria sponge and lemon drizzle rather two deep fresh fruit Pavlovas :-p

Maya Angelou

Tribute to Maya Angelou 1928 - 2014

who inspired a whole new generation of women writers.