It’s been a good(ish) week. Still no rain of any significance but, allegedly, we may see some this afternoon. The sun is going down earlier every day and there is the occasional Autumnal feel to some of the evenings and early mornings. I guess it won’t be long before someone asks me to put the central heating on – not sure we can afford it this year.
We had a lovely outing last Sunday – we went across to the Old Rectory Gardens in Quinton, about a half an hour from here. It was open as part of the National Garden Scheme and it was a delight. Penny had been with the Garden Club earlier in the year but it was soon after the arrival of Miss Daisy and we didn’t think we could leave her on her own for a full afternoon. So, I was delegated to stay behind and doggy-sit. I am glad to have had the opportunity of seeing it.
As with a number of these gardens we’ve visited, it’s stunning to see what can be achieved with, essentially, a blank canvas and limitless sums of money. Forgive me copying a chunk of text from their welcome information but their description is much better than mine would be:
Quinton Old Rectory
The Old Rectory is an 18th Century rectory located close to the church in Quinton. Its three-acre garden was redesigned and recreated in 2014 – 2015 with the intention of creating a true special 21st century garden in keeping with its surroundings. Taking the Old Rectory’s history and its religious setting as a key starting point, the main garden at the back of the house has been divided into the six parts of an 18th century “perfect” garden; a kitchen garden, an orangery/glasshouse, a menagerie, a pleasure garden, a park and an orchard.
Elements of 18th design such as formal structures, parterres, topiary, long walks, occasional seating areas and traditional craft work have been introduced. However, everything has been given a contemporary twist, often through the use of modern materials, sculpture, planting, use of technology and furnishings. The pleasure garden is certainly a 21st century pleasure garden with its golf studio, putting green, natural swimming pool and spa pool.
Running throughout are subtle nods to Christianity. The dominating structure of the garden is based on a large cross. Many of the plants are varieties with religious references. There are angels, gothic arches, repetition of white sculptural details and, as a kind of counterbalance, a dose of fire and brimstone. The overlying idea was to create a kind of personal “heaven”. Heavenly planting, beautiful views, well thought out pathways to increase chance meetings, a seat just when you need it, elements of play all the way through; all to ensure the garden is truly a pleasure.
The garden was designed by Anoushka Feiler of Bestique and built by Ben Wilkinson and his team at Breathe Gardens.
I achieved a milestone of sorts on my virtual Tour de France cycling excursion. (I know. They finished more than a month ago but they were riding five hours a day at a considerably faster pace than I am able to achieve). On Monday I passed the half way point of le Tour having completed Stage 11 – only ten more until I cycle triumphantly up the Champs-Élysées. More significantly, since I started recording my mileage on Nick and my jaunt from Land’s End to John o’ Groats, I also passed the one-quarter mark of a virtual cycle around the world! The circumference of the earth at the equator is 40,075 km, apparently and, through a combination of our studio bike and my road riding I’ve completed 10,156 km (as of yesterday)! Whew, I’m tired. I think I’ll have to have a lie down.
Adam, Jessie and one of their students had a camping adventure over last weekend. They borrowed the large awning/tent and had a great few days at a camp site/water park near Tewkesbury. They all survived and seem to have had a great time. Naturally, Jessie made friends with just about everyone in the campsite and was even invited for a pizza dinner with a young girl with whom she became fast friends.
Happy Birthday to my brother Steph whose birthday was last Tuesday and to my mother who would have celebrated her 97th birthday on Wednesday. When we were young, we used to have quite a celebration; in more recent times we often enjoyed their birthdays in a joint celebration at Lake George at one of our family reunions. Always great fun.
Tomorrow our new Prime Minister will be announced. Thank goodness Boris will finally be gone but heaven help us with whomever has been chosen by the 160,000 largely old white men of the Conservative Party. Whoever wins, they will have a challenge living down to the standards that Boris set but, if it is indeed Liz Truss, I have every confidence she will prove to be even worse than the previous worst Prime Minister.
Meanwhile, keep happy, keep smiling, be careful, wear a f**king facemask in crowded places and keep your distance. And keep safe. And be gentle to wasps and bees.
Lots of love to you all,
Greg