A National Trust Day
Another sunny frosty day. It seemed right to visit one of our National Trust stately homes. I have been visiting Polesden Lacey for over 20 years, and never tire of what it has to offer. Especially on a day like this.
This gorgeous house was owned by Mrs Ronald Greville, a society hostess who regularly entertained Royalty. She insisted that the house should be enjoyed by the public after her death, and donated it to the National Trust. She is buried in the gardens, as are many generations of her pets.
She held fabulous dinner parties with elaborate French cuisine. I wouldn’t have minded popping in for supper I must say.
The Edwardian garden has a series of walled and hedged enclosures with roses and herbaceous planting. But what I love the most are the lawns and views on the North Downs.
In the enclosed gardens is an ancient wisteria which is magical when in bloom
Today it’s bare, but still lovely as it’s branches are so intricate
The walled garden has a series of portholes which seem to want to frame its contents.
Beyond the garden, but still in its grounds are some little covered bridges
This one has some seats for a quick rest, or, as was the case today, a place for bored children to practice their orienteering skills.
The place was very busy. Time to go before the lunch crowd descended. A lovely sunny place to be. I never tire of Polesden Lacey.
Birthday Picnic
How lucky can you get! Another major birthday treat. A picnic at Wisley Gardens in the company of five of my favourite people, two of whom are tiny favourite people:
The smiley Megan
And a bit sleepy Poppy
Wisley put on a good show for us
The theme was orange and purple. No doubt especially for me, as these are some of my favourite colours
How could anyone resist these lilies?
Or these baby moorhens who didn’t want to be late for the party………
Just lovely!
A British Garden
The National Trust is a very British institution. One of my favourite gardens in Nymans in West Sussex. It has everything I enjoy in a NT visit:
The building behind this sculpted hedge has no roof, but has been preserved as it stands beautifully
There is a border of bee loving flowers, that buzzes as you walk through
Flower beds are not too manicured and the colours clash beautifully
Lovely! The cream tea didn’t stay still long enough to be photographed…….
Oops who’s this? This isn’t a NT garden, it’s an allotment! How did my Grand Kitten sneak in to this post?????
