On this dull, overcast, day, Aaron and Robin made considerable headway on weeding the gravel paths. Certain alliums that self seed everywhere, when wrenched from the paths, fill the air with the smell of onions, nowhere near as appetising as when they are being fried.
Jackie did some planting in the front garden.
This afternoon we drove out to Pilley Cottage Garden on Pilley Hill near Lymington.
Jackie parked the car in the School Car Park and we walked down the daffodil-lined hill to the cottage.
We were warmly welcomed by Stephanie who opens her garden, featuring its own swathes of narcissi, as part of the National Gardens Scheme.
In the left foreground of this picture stems of willow, pressed into the soil, have sprouted. Others, equally apparently rooted, provide arches such as that further back on the left, through which a visitor has walked.
We were pleased to note so many people viewing on what was quite a cold day.
The couple in the centre of this shot have just crossed a bridge conveniently laid over a potentially boggy area. The lines seen in the foreground are placed to deter visitors from venturing onto other muddy patches.
On the right of the next photograph can be seen a pergola made of live willow.
The hilly nature of the plot offered intriguing views on different, terraced, levels.
Strategically placed sawn logs weathered beautifully in the beds, providing homes for flora such as ferns, and no doubt fauna.
Even the shed was an attraction.
A gate at the top of the slope opened onto a deceptive arch. Can you see the trick? This photograph contains one of the many examples of fascinating pottery,
such as this abandoned game of chess,
or this ring of elephants bearing succulents,
bounded by little globed boxes,
within the circumference of which Jackie contemplated the layout,
before we wandered up to the house for tea, and, of course, the purchase of two plants.
We considered this trip an excellent way to brighten a dull day.
This evening we dined on Jackie’s luscious liver and bacon casserole, crisp potato wedges, carrots, cauliflower, and broccoli. I finished the Costieres de Nimes.
I can’t see the “trick.” And now I feel left out of some intriguing secret… 🙂
Isn’t it a mirror, either printed as a trompe l’oeil surface, or an actual mirror [the open gate shows in reverse]? Even before seeing the caption, I couldn’t make out (seeing only the top half of the image on my screen at first) the perspective of the ‘view’ through what looks like a sentry box arch, when it appeared to be forward of the aperture you’re being tricked into seeing.
Correct, Paul. Thanks
Thanks, Johnna. I trust you can see clearly now
I liked the different details like elephants with succulants, the arch that was opening to a fence, end of property and the pretty bricks pattern on the house. I think it is always nice to see other gardens to get new ideas. Also, to realize yours and Jackie’s is wonderful. 🙂
Many thanks, Robin. We did get encouragement from it
I had to come back and see if the arch led to a fence, but no! So interesting it led to a mirror. My eyes played “tricks” on Me! 😀
Indeed, the best way to brighten a dull day. The daffodils are gorgeous and even the grey skies look good, artfully contrasted with the branches. I loved the fake gate/arch which seems to be a trompe-l’oeil 🙂
Thanks, Geetha. A mirror, actually
Welcome. What a clever idea
It was in a garden such as this that Sleeping Beauty nodded off, and it was overgrown in the twinkling of an eye!
Don’t say that: they’ve only just got theirs under control!
Actually, we only saw two roses, and one was a rambling rector. Thanks Bruce.
I have known many a rambling rector!
I’ll bet
I do see the trick – it is such a great idea, and works really well there. Please tell Jackie, I have not yet found a [tricker] to fit my courtyard despite a summer spend looking – the search continues! I love those willow arches and pergolas – fantastic in summer!!
Thanks, Pauline. You should come to our dump
I agree, a great way to brighten the day, Derrick. Beautiful photographs! I’m not seeing the trick either. 🙁
Thanks, Jill. See Paul’s comment
I don’t see the trick but am happy enough with the daffodils again.
Thanks, Susanne. See Paul’s comment
It was a cold day today. I love the idea of a living pergola.
Thanks, John
What an amazing garden. Love the elephants.
Thanks, Miriam
Very clever. A lot of design and planning went into this garden. I tend to buy a plant I like then try to find a spot for it.
I’m of your school, Mary. Thanks
Everything looks great except that person driving the red car on the wrong side of the road. Very dangerous 🙂
🙂 Thanks, Weekly
Dear Weekly, What you need to know is that it is the rest of the world that drive on the wrong side of the road. Tut Tut.
How cool that willows will strike when they’re just plunked into the earth!
Isn’t it, Yvonne. Thanks
Excellent Photographs Derrick, the Daffodils are everywhere, what a delightful sight, the Willows Pergola, beautiful, all round an excellent overview of what I imagine an English Country garden to be like.
Enjoyed your post.
Thank you, Ian
I liked the way how you brighten the dull day, Derrick 🙂
And, of course, I love your beautiful garden <3
Thank you, Monica
😀
A lovely garden to brighten everyone’s day! Looks relaxing and refreshing. 🙂
Thanks, spearfruit.
The most effective way to brighten up a dull way. Wonderful photographs and they have brightened up my day as well… 🙂
Thank you, Maniparna
Beautiful garden with those intriguing features.
Thank you, Merril
How nice with an outing! So many fun little details… 🙂
Thanks, Anna
A pleasant day! Enjoyed the stroll here. 🙂
Thanks, Amy
I didn’t actually think “That’s a trick” I actually thought “I wonder why they have two gates on that arch” – does that still count as spotting it? Looks like a great day out.
It was, thanks, Quercus. Nope, you had to know, not wonder 🙂
Pah! 😉
Such an interesting garden! 🙂
Thanks, Sylvia. It is. We will go back in the summer
This is such an interesting place and so many things to see! I love the willow and the shed and the pottery! Very lovely! Thanks for showing us!
Thank you, Lynn
What a lovely garden and so interesting derrick! I love all the little things that there are, the rusted gate etc.