Upper terrace – the ruined chapel, stream and pond – there is a sloped access for the lawnmower etc.
Gate at the foot of the access slope. The whole of this area is gated to make sure that it is safe for small children.
The ruined chapel looking along the side of the pond.
The ruined chapel folly showing the stone mullion window. A young Wisteria is just beginning to clamber up the side of the chapel.
The wisteria macrabotrys – that is the one with the very long blooms. It should be stunning when it matures.
The Monet inspired bridge over the stream – this is intended to lead to a flight of steps which will join the path along the higher bank of the garden.
The old oak branch placed to sit over the water to make a kingfisher park, often used by the heron as well as the occasional kingfisher.
Looking through the Gothic doorway towards the pond. The interior of the folly makes a wonderful al fresco dining room. The chimney shows that there is a fireplace which can be used for cooking or as an open log fire.
The weir from the pond was designed to funnel water into the narrow stream so that during heavy rainy weather the stream does not flood.
The Chapel – now maturing with ferns growing on the walls and ivy beginning to creep up the stones. A low wall built out of the largest stones adds drama to the chapel.
Where the stream meets the pond there is a waterfall with stone steps leading down from the chapel and a walkway across the stream.
This was taken one day when the water in the pond was crystal clear – perfect for watching the underwater wildlife.
Another view of the pond in the upper part of the garden.
The old garden roller at the foot of an ash tree. The Walnut tree was grown from a nut by the previous owners making it about 60 years old. There is always a splendid crop of nuts – if lucky the squirrels do not get them all and the immature ones can make delicious pickles. There are three walnut trees – two different varities, but not sure what except that the nuts are a different shape.
Catalpa tree grown by the previous owners from a seed taken from the Catalpa tree in the centre of Monmouth. Behind the old wall is a huge phyladelphus which perfumes the air with its heady scent in July. Around the base of the Catalpa tree there is a mass of blue bells – well to be correct a mixture of blue, pink and white. This area is not mown until the bluebells have died down and scattered their seed.
The upper part of the drive is bordered on both sides with a stone wall. On the right the wall goes around the old garden and on the left it retains the bank of the upper terrace. This part was originally built in concrete, but we faced it with local stone. It is very substantial – we tried to demolish the old concrete wall but finding it impossible we decided to face with the stone and put the sloped entrance to the pond and chapel garden in front of the original wall.
The large main lawn looking East with the foot of the Blorenge (rhymns with orange) covered in trees – the largest broadleaf wood in the county.
The beech walk in the original part of the garden.
Wisteria draped over the pillars at the side of the house.
And up the walnut tree.
Over the pillars
On the garden shed
Magic of the wildlife – spotted woodpecker feeding its large baby.
The front of the herb garden looking towards the log shed.
View along the side of the house. The rosemary hedge is by the side of the back door.
The original garage – now has an up and over door – remotely controlled.
Side of the new garage showing entrance door.
The side of the house – view from under the Walnut and Catalpa trees.
The formal stone pond makes a good place to sit in the sunshine.
Anouska in the garden – always reading.
With friends.
Happy cat in the sunshine.
Clematis montana alba draped along rope between the posts.
Closeup of Clematis montana.
The herb garden – very near the back door. Herbs include: Mint, rosemary, chives, thyme, marjoram, tarragon, tansy,fennel and close by a very large bay tree. Four more bay trees are in the lower part of the garden and lavender in an area dedicated solely to the commercial lavender Grosso.
The brick pergola.
Honeysuckle on the pergola.
A special rose grown from seed.
The beech walk – this is a walk along the back of the beech hedge that was planted by the previous owners. We decided to keep the hedge even though we owned the area in front because it makes a dramatic feature and also a wind break.
Pawlonia flowers – a magical tree that blooms if it grows large enough. Some people cut it down to provide architectural plants with huge leaves – but the flowers are best as are the seed pods and the flower buds.
View through the shrubs towards the house.