Cats

Sunday, 23 September 2018

Borde Hill 25 May 2018

Happy birthday to me! The big one too - 60. We had a huge party in 2008 at Ann & Revel's house in Kalk Bay, but you're all still there and I'm here. So, no party. Lots of messages and phone calls and a walk around Borde Hill with Dayne. Dinner that evening - amazing Tapas in Haywards Heath.


The sun was trying to shine. There was colour to be seen but it still felt like quite early in the season. 


The garden was created in the early 1900s and Colonel Robert Stephenson Clarke was the first owner to plant the gardens and woodlands.  Plants were gathered by plant collectors from their travels to China, Burma, the Himalayas, Tasmania and the Andes. Someone must have been to Africa too. The first record of the estate dates back to 1534 and the house was originally constructed by Stephen Borde in 1598.


The Italian Room with its tranquil lily pool and views across the South Park - always a winning combination.








The entrance to the disused potting shed. These two buildings now showcase southern hemisphere plants.







On the other side of the estate are more views of the South Downs...



and in the distance, the Ouse Valley Viaduct.


Birds are difficult to photograph, they just don't stand still long enough to get a decent pic!



Back round to the azalea ring.


To the house and Jay Robin's rose garden, but not a rose to be see. Way too early in the season. Still pretty though.

So that was the gentle introduction to my 60s. Definitely something stronger than tea required after that.

No comments:

Post a Comment