I gave E a lift to Solihull today and, whilst she was meeting a friend for lunch, I had a walk round the cold, frosty and sunny gardens of nearby Packwood House. I do love Packwood. I've been visiting since I was a child and it never fails to weave its magic - with every walk round the house and gardens having something new to offer.
The house dates back to the seventeenth century and was renovated by Graham Baron Ash during the 1920's and 1930's to capture his vision of a Tudor House. He gave the house and 113 acres to the National Trust in 1941 in memory of his parents.
As I only had a couple of hours I didn't go in the House today as it was guided tours only.
The Carolean Walled Garden has evolved over the years since the Seventeenth Century. Euphorbias and Hellebores were in flower.
The Yew Garden is only open at the moment by guided tour. Some of the yew trees date back to the 1650's and the garden is said to represent "The Sermon on the Mount"
I took rather a lot of photos of frosted leaves!
The Sunken Garden seen in the foreground was installed by Baron Ash in the 1930's.
A lone Osteospermum? in flower.
Then a wander round the West and North Courts.
I think this may be a young Monkey Puzzle Tree?
I popped in the Gift Shop and resisted the temptation of buying a book or
an icecream!
Finally, (sorry, I know the post has rather a lot of photos) a walk round the newly restored Kitchen Garden
There was a little ladybird among these leaves (you might be able to see it if you click and make the photo larger). It looked a trifle exposed so hope it survives the winter.
More temptation in the form of plants and metal sculptures.
I just had time for a visit to the Garden Kitchen Cafe. These lovely tiles are everywhere echoing the delft tiles in the Ireton Bathroom in the house.
The Gingerbread Latte and Toffee Apple Crumble Muffin were both delicious. In fact, the muffin may even knock the Upton House Strawberry and Cream Sponge off the top spot of my favourite NT cake.
I'll return to Stratford and Holy Trinity Church in my next post.
