Thursday was dry and, although not as sunny as forecast, we decided to visit Hergest Croft garden in Kington which is about 40 minutes away.
The gardens, parkland and wood cover about 70 acres and contain more than 5000 rare trees and shrubs. They hold the UK National Collection of Maples, Birches and Zelkovas. There is a lot to see and do there with so many different areas to explore. We didn't manage to see everywhere which gives me a good excuse to go back!
Be warned there are a lot of photos!
Sculpture entitled the Ledbury Yew by Rolfe Hook.
Hergest Croft House was built in 1885 - you can't go inside.
View from the Upper Terrace
Path to the Old Rockery Garden
Azaleas, Camellias and Rhododendrons were at their best.
The Azalea Garden
We had a look at the garden map and decided to explore Park Wood but before doing that we returned to the car for lunch and a flask of tea.
Gate to the parkland which you walk through to reach the wood.
Park Wood
We followed the path through Rhododendron Valley full of exotic trees and, of course, Rhododendrons! As the garden website says it is reminscent of a Himalayan scene.
Back through the parkland to the main gardens.
The Kitchen Garden
Timothy in the orchard.
Before we left I had a look round the shop and bought a jar of Herefordshire Strawberry jam and a Logaston Press book I have wanted to buy for ages - "Scratch and Hop" which is about hop picking over the years in Herefordshire, Shropshire and Worcestershire.
Before we left Kington we continued up the lane as B, who is a big fan of Mike Oldfield and his music, wanted to see Hergest Ridge. Mike Oldfield wrote an album while living in the area. The lane didn't go all the way to the top I don't think but you can park in a layby and continued walking onto the ridge itself.
We didn't walk far this time as by now it was 5.00 pm but it is another place to return to to walk further.
A few of D's photos - first of the gardens and then views from Hergest Ridge.
I hope everyone is staying safe and well.
Photos taken by me with the Panasonic Lumix FZ330 bridge camera and photos marked *D taken by D with the Canon SX50 HS bridge camera.
