Kiftsgate

The wonder that is Kiftsgate today is down to the work of three generations of women.

Just after the Great War the Muir’s bought Kiftsgate and Heather Muir, who had no horticultural training, set about laying out the top gardens. She was inspired, and helped by, Lawrence Johnston who created the neighbouring garden at Hidcote Manor.

The garden somewhat ran wild during the Second World War. In the early 60’s Diany Binny developed the lower garden adding a semi circular swimming pool, sculptures and fountains.

Her daughter, Anne Chambers continues the tradition today.

From the terrace there are some incredible views over the surrounding countryside. 

The tennis court has been transformed into a water feature incorporating Simon Allisons bronze castings of rhubarb leaves.

A stainless steel leaf sculpture by Peter Moorhouse stands at the end of tulip tree avenue.

Then onward to the nearby quintessential Cotswold village of Chipping Campden












and the perfect afternoon tea :)

Penblwydd hapus (Happy Birthday) x 2

Just returned from a lovely few days walking the Gower. Stayed with the lovely Patsy and her equally lovely dog Oakey in their cosy cottage in Port Enyon just round from Rhoselli Beach.

This year, the Gower Peninsula celebrates 63 years since becoming the UK’s first Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty in 1956. Covering 188 sq km, it was awarded its AONB status for its classic coastline.

On one hilarious walk, on the hills between Scurladge and Pilton, we hiked knee deep in bracken and heather

OK which way next guys ??

through the mist

guided by the ponies

we made it to the trig point in the end

An earlier walk took us over the coastal path, via the old Salt House at Port Enyon, and back through the village.

It was also a celebratory weekend. Patsy’s birthday on the Tuesday, celebrated first on the beach near Rhoselli with friends, dogs, bubbles and giant waves. Up to the pub for refreshments then back with Kate, David and Harry to their holiday let for a chip supper n improvised karaoke.

The following day was Julies big birthday it was her ?0^th. After a strawberry breakfast, and a Skype with Marion in Rwanda, another shorter beach walk to a different pub.

On the way we stopped to admire a cliff top view when this lovely man invited us into his garden, with a terrace down to the sea, and regaled us with tales of his past and the house/garden renovation.

Dore Abbey and The Garden in the Wind

Dore Abbey was established in 1147 and is a former Cistercian abbey on the bank of the Dore in Herefordshire.

The Abbey contains an amazing collection of wood workings and sculpture.

After a brief interlude it was off to The Garden in the Wind. The Garden has an open aspect to the Black Mountains, with spectacular views over the from the Skirrid to Black Hill along the whole Hatterrall Ridge,  and westerly winds present a challenge to gardening at this altitude.

The garden is also home to a collection of sculptures by British and Continental artists and is the Wales and West of England home for the Art & Memory collection of carved lettering.

The garden has over a dozen themed areas and a very impressive rill.

and building extension

Work has started on adding new trees and shrubs to an outlying area creating a new pathway into an area of woodland.