As DH is on holiday this week we had a day out today and visited David Austin Roses and Wightwick Manor which are located fairly close to each other. We had to purchase a rose of course and I came home with one of my favourite rugosa roses - Roseraie de l'Hay. Although the roses were not out yet the garden was lovely to wander around. Very peaceful and full of all kinds of birds: blackbirds, goldfinches, sparrows, swallows and peacocks. There was a pair of skylarks singing their hearts out too. The only let down was the cafe. The service was very slow and they were really not overly busy.
This pavilion seemed to be the most popular place for the chattering, sociable sparrows who were making a lot of noise.
There are several peacocks at David Austin, but no peahens. This one was making an incredible display, but was rather frightening too.
The chimneys at Wightwick were fascinating and such a design source when contrasted with the roof tiles and pitch of the roof.
Lots of flowers too. Snakeshead fritillaries naturally planted with
erythroniums and bluebells in grass then these camasias planted as a
carpet amongst pollarded willows.
This window was surrounded by a very small yellow climbing rose (Yellow Banksian I believe). The house and its contents with all its Arts & Crafts influences was fantastic and the exhibition 'The Art of Embroidery' by Nicola Jarvis and friends in one of the outbuildings was an unexpected surprise. Such beautiful stitchery and artwork.
I envy your visit to Wightwick - every time we go down to to the midlands I mean to
ReplyDeletemake a diversion there. David Austin roses looks good too - perhaps I will manage to schedule a day this June - roses should be good then !