A Plant Lovers Paradise in The New Forest

We were just driving by and my daughter in law said 'ooh is that one of the gardens you mentioned on your blog?'

It sure was!  I visited this garden last year and when I look back it was just a week or so earlier in the year.  

Of course, tempted by the pics I published, my daughter in law wanted to visit.  

And we did just that.  

We received a very warm welcome by the owner, Emma Taylor, and she told us, to the delight of my grandsons, that we could feed the fish.

As my two grandsons, 7 and 9 were not to enamoured with the thought of going round a garden we thought it might be an idea to feed the fish first!

In a truly authentic and very peaceful Japanese Garden there is the pond with huge Koi .....

 who are very pleased to be fed.

I can just imagine someone sitting in this area meditating as there is a lovely covered area sheltered from the sun.  It is incredibly pretty and very peaceful.

One acre of garden formally designed

The garden is separated into 'rooms' and lots of passageways and when you walk through you never know what you're going to find.  

Like the pretty mirrors  ....

And plenty of areas with cute seats, all with cushions, so that you can while away the time ...... 

or for boys who get a little tired of wandering round a garden :)

The garden is full of charm and surprises, like this wheel in the grasses ....

and this tree which is called an 'Indian Bean Tree', which by the way smells divine.

And for plant lovers ...

The tightly packed pretty clusters of purple/lilac flower heads top tall stems as the Verbena brings colour to one of the borders.   

I'm not that clued up with names of flowers and plants but there are many which I'm sure you'll recognise. 

And, of course, you can purchase some too.

Unable to visit?  See more of this garden here

Applecourt Garden Opening Hours

How could I forget?

Gosh I nearly forgot to mention the tea and cake!  

Beautiful home made cake to go with a cuppa in these beautiful gardens.  Life doesn't get much better than that does it?

By the way, they may not admit it, but I think my grandsons actually enjoyed it too.

Until next time ....

I Know A Place Where You Can Go to Brush off Your Troubles

Brush off your troubles and let's get happy ... I do believe that's a song from way back.  However, this place always makes you forget your troubles.  Well it does for me.

Now kick off your shoes, grab a cuppa and come with us on a beautiful walk in the gardens.

Even the grandchildren couldn't resist the temptation to take photographs. 
I suppose when Nana is a photographer there's a bit more encouragement to do so. :)

And wow the Camellias are spectacular at the moment. 
Go now if you don't want to miss these.

 

The Rhododendrons are just beginning to flower so even more colour will be splashed around these beautiful gardens in the coming weeks.

We sat on the bench looking out across the lake and I could see the image I wanted but didn't want to kneel down to get it.
 
I know what you're thinking .... I wouldn't be able to get up again!  Tut!  Because I didn't want to get my knees dirty 😉

Anyway I explained to my 9 year old grandson what I had in mind, set up the camera and here you have it.  Clever boy.  I may have a job for him later! 

Of course, once he got the camera he wanted to do more ..... so another one below with a view down to the Beaulieu River.

Oh and another one across the daffodil meadow ...............

And now I have the camera back!

Wouldn't be the same without the train

We always have to do the train ride.  But today we were honoured to have the lovely Charlotte de Rothchild on the train 😊 who gave us a very informative talk on the gardens.  Very special.

The newly refurbished Mr Eddy's was a great success

Lunch in Mr Eddy's restaurant was absolutely delicious. 

So thrilled to see that they are now doing little lunch boxes for the children with sandwiches.  Or there is a choice of a hot snack if preferred.

The adults' meals are delicious too, generous helpings and very tasty.  Mr Eddy's refurb and the new caterers Searcys have been a great success as far as this family are concerned.

The Old Tennis Courts Cafe

After quite a long walk around the gardens, however, we needed another refreshment stop. 

Ah here we are ..... cake and a cuppa for the adults

and, of course, ice creams for the boys. 

Yes, the look on this face tells me we can safely say this day was a success!

Where is this place 

where you can go to brush off your troubles?

Exbury Gardens & Steam Railway of course.

In the beautiful New Forest just 20 minutes from Junction 2 of the M27 

You can buy your tickets online 

Warning

If you go once, you'll want to return!  It may well be worth you getting a Season Ticket.  Don't say I didn't warn you.

Enjoy :)

Why Getting Caught in the Act is not as bad as you Think

I had been on a photoshoot and passing through Beaulieu High Street and quickly remembered Patrick's Patch from my visit last year.  I cheekily parked in Fairweathers and popped over the road to Patrick's Patch.

On arrival in this tranquil space, you could sit a while beside this pretty meadow.  Although I am told by the lovely Rachel, who planted the seeds, that there was a mix of all sorts here and not just meadow seeds.

But don't sit too long because you will want to wander around this amazing space called 'Patrick's Patch' just as I did.  

This is a site to behold, with full range of vegetables, herbs and salads.

A garden which is maintained by volunteers, school children and a part time gardener.

Be sure to say hello to those who stick around to keep an eye on things.:)

 Some paying more attention than others!

Not only is this a learning garden it is uplifting and inspiring too.  

It's worth mentioning that free courses are run here, so it's definitely worth checking the website for details.

Ah unable to hide my large professional camera, I was caught in the act!  A lovely lady asked why I was taking photos!  Eeek, I blamed Gill Hickman :)  'Oh yes I know Gill,' she said 'how lovely, thank you for taking photos, and giving us some PR, the more people know, the more we will be visited'  and then
'would you like a lettuce to take home with you?'
 
Gosh home grown lettuce, I can't remember the last time I had the pleasure.  So, of course, I accepted gratefully.

This lettuce was the best lettuce we have tasted in a very long time - sorry Waitrose and M&S you are beaten by a mile.

So now you know why getting caught in the act isn't as bad as you think!:)

It seems I wasn't the only one visiting today .....

And you may have noticed something!  I don't seem to have taken many photos of vegetables?  Oh gosh I may have to go back!


Patrick's Patch is opposite Fairweathers in Beaulieu High Street
Visit the website for opening times and other interesting information.