On our third morning in Downton, as, in order to pick spring flowers, Jackie walked through the undergrowth onto what is now the Weeping Birch Bed, little did we know that a few inches to her right we would find the remnants of a very old path. In the distance, above her head, can be seen the collapsed wooden arch that we replaced with a metal one.
This is the subject of today’s before and after section, which I began after pasting a few more prints into the album.
Can you see the path? On 21st May 2014, the tree peony was growing on the edge of it.
By the end of the day the serpentine track was beginning to emerge.
Further progress was made on 22nd. Note the mosquito-breeding sunken wheelbarrow pond that has been removed by 20th October 2015.
At one time this path contained gravel. By 25th, Jackie was painstakingly riddling a little out of the soil, and we bought bags more to top it up.
It was in a fit condition for Sheila to be guided along it on 9th August,
and quite established by 20th October 2015.
This afternoon I watched the televised semi-final of the Rugby World Cup between New Zealand and South Africa.
This evening we dined on smoked haddock, with Jackie’s superb piquant cauliflower cheese (recipe), carrots, cabbage, mange touts, and mashed potato and swede; followed by deep apple pie with just the right amount of cinnamon and cloves, and custard. I drank Doom Bar and The Cook drank Hoegaarden.
Only a cryptic crossword creator would ever think of naming a garden path after Lowarth Helygen. And with my Goodman Branch emanating from Cornwall it’s a garden path I would happily be led up!
Thanks, Bruce. It seemed the thing to do 🙂
Well, the AB’s only just skittered through I’m told – the crown is anyones!!
Yep. I think it will be a local Derby for you folk
How exciting to walk down the path of history; it’s a delightful detour.
Thank you, Mary
This is a bit like archeology, I think.
Thanks, Lisa. Oh, yes.
Grand work on the path! Looks gorgeous.
I couldn’t watch the match …. to close for too long! I kept peeking in though and fairly pleased with the outcome. 🙂
Thanks, Danella. You’ll get Aussies in final
oooh I hope so!!
🙂 I have daughters in law in Oz and from NZ
So nice to have pictures of Jackie–especially the one of her sitting between the wheelbarrows. Lovely work; I enjoyed the reveal of the path.
Many thanks, Cynthia
Fantastic work! Great before and after pictures. 🙂
Thanks, Becka
Lovely. Was it the path less taken earlier and now the well trodden one?
Thanks. Very good 🙂
A well done path and post – both leading to satisfaction and smoked haddock. 🙂
Many thanks, elmediat
Excellent documentation of the path’s discovery and reinstatement. I’m certain it’s taken on a much more pleasant and welcoming form that it’s ever known. Thanks to the Head Gardener and her trusty paparazzi/apprentice gardener.
Thank you, Oscar. Neat description of me