Waxwing

Waxwing
"To see a world in a grain of sand,
And a heaven in a wild flower,
Hold infinity in the palm of your hand
And eternity in an hour."

From "Auguries of Innocence"

by William Blake

Tuesday 5 July 2022

Brief Visit to Herefordshire - Part 4: Burford House Gardens


Thursday was another lovely day (initially!) but a bit hot for me! I suggested we go back to Burford House to visit the gardens as there appeared to be woodland there and shade!  Its  less than 25 minutes from the caravan so not too far.

Burford House is a Georgian house set in 7 acres of gardens and is also home to the garden centre visited previously.

The gardens were once the home of the National Clematis Collection until neglect led to the decline of the garden.  The gardens are now being restored by volunteers under a head gardener.  A four acre garden was initially laid out by the late John Treasure in the 1950s and contains 290 varieties of clematis. 














Near the entrance there was a large border planted especially to attract pollinating insects.






We found the whole garden a complete delight in fact B thought it was one of the best gardens he had ever visited and the volunteers and head gardener should be congratulated on all their hard work.




















This day flying moth was a bit worn but I believe it is either a Silver-ground Carpet or a very worn Common Carpet.











This is an area of the garden where the Ledwych Brook meets the River Teme and it is the place where the three counties of Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire meet.  In this area you are constantly going from one county to another.  Apparently this area has stone remains of a Norman Castle - which I failed to spot. Oh well, there is always next time.




























The terrace at the rear of the house was just delightful.











And then you step down into two charming sunken gardens. The whole place was just magical.






































Continuing our exploration - there were nooks and crannies everywhere and surprise features.



































By this stage the gardens that had been quite busy were emptying of people as we felt an odd drop of rain which seconds later was teeming down so we took shelter in this summer house.








It looked like the rain was set in for quite a while so when it eased off we made a dash to the car. Such a shame as we still had at least a third of the garden to explore. But we shall return without doubt.

By the time we got back it was sunny!!

If you are ever in the area I would really recommend a visit.

Timothy back at the caravan and feeling grumpy as I hadn't taken him anywhere this visit.  I need a mini backpack or pump bag to carry him in so he doesn't get lost! As I learnt to my cost on Anglesey it is not a good idea to shove him in a trouser pocket. Luckily he was found on that occasion!




All photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera (if anyone ever wishes to use any of my photos I would be grateful for an email first - thanks).





12 comments:

Bovey Belle said...

What a stunning garden. Must try and visit that - probably next year though - in the hope that Keith will be mobile enough to enjoy it too.

Ragged Robin said...

Bovey Belle - Thanks so much. Yes it is an amazing place and do hope Keith will be mobile enough to enjoy by the time you visit. Church a bit further up lane worth visiting too. I am so glad we discovered it and I can see us returning several times.

Rustic Pumpkin said...

Poor Timothy. It really does look a lovely garden indeed. I look forward to when you go visiting again, and so, ahem, does Timothy. off to Google that lilac poppy.

Ragged Robin said...

Rustic Pumpkin Thanks so much. Timothy was most unhappy but I did take him out today!!!! The lilac poppy is indeed lovely so many beautiful flowers there.

Rosie said...

The garden is beautiful. So many lovely plants and tranquil areas. I love the mellow brick walls and the stone steps. Such a shame it rained before you'd seen everything but on the plus side it's a good excuse to go back again:)

Ragged Robin said...

Rosie - Thanks so much. We shall certainly be going back :) Great to find such a lovely place not too far away :)

The Quacks of Life said...

the garden looks lovely.... poor little bear SOBS!

Ragged Robin said...

The Quacks of Life - Thanks so much. Timothy re-assures he has recovered and been out the last two days :)

Caroline Gill said...

Wonderful, RR! David and I have had a couple of brilliant days at Kenilworth castle. The second time was specially to see the newly formed recreated garden. It was not only stunning, but a fantastic place for butterflies and bees. I'm so glad Timothy was able to enjoy a day in the sunshine! Thank you for your Swallowtail/Purple Emperor comment.

Ragged Robin said...

Caroline Gill - Thanks so much. So pleased you have seen the new garden at Kenilworth. I am so pleased you finally saw the Swallowtail :)

CherryPie said...

Is this wider garden behind the house? I have only ever seen the front lawn and water feature.

My first visit to the garden centre was many years ago when it specialised in Clematis plants. I has changed a lot since my first visit.

Ragged Robin said...

CherryPie - Thanks and yes it is behind the house. About 7 acres. Garden used to hold national clematis collection and there are still a lot in the garden.