The weather may have changed this week, to a more seasonable chill and no doubt there will be some rain on the bank holidays this easter, but I am still hoping to get out and enjoy time away from work by visiting the Northcourt garden in Shorwell. Open from 12.30- 5 on Sunday the 8th.
I read in the NGS booklet that this 15 acre garden surrounds a C17 manor house. Walled gardens, magnolias and camellias, boardwalks, terraces, stream, a valley…. if interested have a look at their web site:
http://www.northcourt.info/garden.html
and the National Garden Scheme pages:
http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=5497
The other weekend i took my family along to Mottistone Manor garden. Its one of those places I’ve wanted to visit for years, but never been able to find the opportunity. I wasn’t convinced my family would appreciate me imposing my passions on them on the weekend, but they kindly embraced the day. In fact i was surprised just how much my children loved the experience. Before starting the ‘long journey’ (my 6 year old’s words) across the wight I checked out their web site:
http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/mottistone-manor-garden/
and the National Garden Scheme pages:
http://www.ngs.org.uk/gardens/gardenfinder/garden.aspx?id=1813
Discovering Allium Titchmarsh and his friends was not what i had in mind, and frankly i didn’t think (or is that hope) my children would approve either! So wrong, so sorry for my prejudice. They had a fantastic time, discovering, running and making a noise- (sorry NT). Like a lot of gardens they have different thinks to offer at different times of the year, and so we’ll have to return and discover more. The bluebell woods looked enticing, the olive tree grove exciting, and the bare soil of the herbaceous beds will definitely get another visit out of me…
…but for this visit i was taken by the scent of the daffs. Planted on banks as your walk pass. I can’t remember sniffing such intensity before.Wonderful.
