Nymans, again 25.10.2017

Later the same week I went back to Nymans, this time to take a walk through the countryside.  It wasn't the best of ideas. It had been raining, but I thought - it won't be too bad? Well, wrong. Mud. Lots of it.

And slippery to boot. 

Cat flap for? Foxes, rabbits, little deer?  Thoughtful though.

Definitely autumn...

Despite the mud, it was really lovely out.  Not too cold, not too many people around - it's always better on a weekday.  Weekends are busy - people everywhere.

These sculptures were a bit of a surprise when I just happened to look up.  David Lucas is the sculptor who carves with a chainsaw - http://www.lucascarvings.co.uk. Take a look at the video on his website, quite remarkable.

A two seater bench, I couldn't find who had done this though.

The house at the end of the lane - a bit spooky perhaps?

This was a particularly deserted part of the walk and with a bit of mist, I did feel a bit spooked. But too late to turn back ...

Really, I was pretty much the only idiot lurching through the mud, and definitely not climbing anything but these steps.

Which lead up and then down to the lake at the end of the garden. Splashes of autumn colour, abluting ducks, calm reflections and a bird hide to take a break in.

Then, via the medieval track which is associated with the iron workings in the area. The surface is now far below its original level as a result of hundreds of years of erosion.

Along the conifer avenue and past the giant redwoods.

Through Pookchurch Wood - straight out of Enid Blyton.

Then, up the muddiest slope I've ever attempted, in fact, I almost didn't make it but desperation to get out of the mud prevailed.  I think this might be it for rural rambles for the next 6 months or so.

Back into the formal gardens and a cheerful farewell.  Time for tea ...

Nymans 22 October 2017

I'm back! I know, I'm so far behind too.  Sorry everyone.  A lot has been happening and there's a lot to catch up, so let's go!

Nymans, Sunday morning, the sun is shining. Nymans is National Trust and we have been here before but part of the fun here is to watch the seasons pass through the gardens. Many of the NT houses close from November to Feb for the winter, but most of the gardens and, more importantly, the tearooms are still open.

Everything is still so green with bursts of autumn colour.

Do you do this as well?  "Oh, Sheep!" And if there isn't anyone around, talk to them?  Everytime you see sheep (horses, cows, pigs). They are very appealing.

There are still flowers to be seen. I don't actually know what these are but they look like Watsonias. What do you think?

Unknown, but very pretty.

Crinodendron Hookerianum - known as Chilean Lantern - for obvious reasons

This colour ...

I think this walkway is covered with Wisteria.  Note to self, come back in spring, this will be magnificent.

The Messel family home which was destroyed by fire in 1947 and only partially rebuilt. The gothic ruin though, is a lovely feature of the garden.

Who knows? Why would you have a cage with a door and a seat in a garden? To protect you from something?

Winter larder for the birds ...

Tree ferns, to my surprise, I would have thought it would be too cold here, but obviously not. 

Note how bundled up everyone is, the sun was shining but it was cold.

Somebody was busy with the hedge clippers. No dainty little topiary here, battlements and star wars characters rule ..

Time to go I think, when Dayne starts posing :)