Autumn Gold

It certainly is turning into one memorable Autumn this year.

Leaf mosaics in red and brown.





Saturday saw us tread the Severn Valley Path, along with the more recognisable hedgerow dwellers -

was a more unusual offering - still it is Halloween :)

Sunday was a tour of the Cotswolds - certainly vying with New England this Fall:

Stopped off for a tour of Hidcote an Arts and Crafts garden in the north Cotswolds, a stone’s throw from Stratford-upon-Avon. Created by the talented American horticulturist, Major Lawrence Johnston.

When Autumn Leaves Begin to Fall

It’s certainly turning into a classic autumn in our neck of the woods. Red Acers and Gold Beeches line the country lanes and fill the arboreta.  Saturday saw us at our favourite, WestonbirtArboretum.

Sunday took a long walk along the river Wye valley at Symonds Yat

To the left of the far side of the rickety bridge at Biblins campside you get great tea n cake with the view at the riverside cafe.




Back through Lords Wood to the river bank opposite the cafe and pub. The only way back across is by hand pulled ferry.

Return to Stoke on Trent

Our first visit to the gardens of Stoke on Trent was in 1986 for the pre-opening session of the Stoke-on-Trent National Garden Festival at the Etruria site. The Stoke-on-Trent National Garden Festival was the second of Britain's National Garden Festivals. It was held in the city from 1 May to 26 October 1986, and was opened by the Queen. If not the first outside visitors we were certainly in the first cohort. Boy did it rain, stair rods, We were frozen and soaked. Didn’t realise the planting was just taking place and there was only one daffodil in bloom. Took a ride round the site on an open sided mini train and got even wetter!

Glad to say todays trip to Trentham Gardens, just south of the city, was much better. Lovely day to just meander round the Lake.

Mm which way to go next?

At the centre of Trentham Gardens is the mile long, Capability Brown designed, Trentham Lake – you can take an end to end small boat ride. The contemporary revival of the famous formal Italian Gardens Italian was led by renowned designer and multi-Chelsea gold-medal winner Tom Stuart Smith.

To the east of the Italian Gardens are the Rivers of Grass and the adjacent Floral Labyrinth. Both these schemes were designed by eminent Dutch plantsman, and Chelsea gold-medal winner, Piet Oudolf.

Marilyn was off with the faeries.

The fairies were created from galvanised and stainless steel wire, by local artist Robin Wight. His daughter Amy Wight created the giant dandelions, in similar vein’ by the lake.

Wooden sculptures, created from fallen trees, are found all around the site and are all hand crafted by Andy Burgess using only chainsaws and power tools,

and strange things hanging from trees.

There is much history to Trentham, including -

site of the old
'Playground of the Potteries' Lido

the remains of the old house

Well worth a visit if your in that neck of the woods.

The amazing Tony Robinson

Yep, it's Cheltenham Lit Fest time of year again :)

Most enjoyable this year was Tony (Baldrick) Robinson, an amazing raconteur, and all round nice guy!