tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23651244698072190122024-03-13T01:11:47.893+00:00Laura's LondonA photoblog about London's parks and gardens through the seasons (and a few other assorted stories)Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.comBlogger66125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-20286028702941556752024-01-11T18:55:00.004+00:002024-01-11T21:42:45.268+00:00Eastcote Walled Garden<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/31943221488/in/album-72157703436849055/" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4820/31943221488_cb6976da1d_c.jpg" width="685" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i style="text-align: left;">The Dovecote - July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><br /></div><div>I visited Eastcote Walled Garden on a very hot day in July 2018, on a walk onwards to Ruislip Lido. I'd already stopped at a nearby pub, the wonderfully named <a href="https://caseisalteredpinner.co.uk/" target="_blank">The Case is Altered</a>, and yet when I walked around the garden taking my photos, I felt as parched as the lawn there. It was a scorcher (difficult to think of in January 2024). I do believe these photos capture this.</div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/44901088805/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4890/44901088805_eb582430f3_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Flower beds in the Walled Garden, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/43997382000/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4803/43997382000_d7a56f6378_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Dovecote and poppies, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/30874156507/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4906/30874156507_571f4bc786_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Knautia and parched grass, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>
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<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/45089597894/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4902/45089597894_31c8c3c078_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Lavender at Eastcote, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/45813947481/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4880/45813947481_99c5496193_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A wall of the garden, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/45764702742/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4857/45764702742_7d7f59c6c6_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The centre of the Walled Garden, July 2018</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><div><br /></div>
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<div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/albums/72157703436849055/" target="_blank">My album with all photos from my visit is here</a>.<br /></div>
<div><br /></div><div>Eastcote House Gardens lie in Hillingdon in west London. Other than the walled garden and dovecote, there's also an old coach house, which were retained at the public's request after Eastcote House itself was demolished in 1964. They have been Grade II listed since 1974. The gardens are maintained by volunteers.</div><div><br /></div><div><b>Read more about Eastcote House Gardens:</b></div><div><ul style="text-align: left;"><li><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastcote_House_Gardens">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Eastcote_House_Gardens</a></li><li><a href="https://www.eastcotehousegardens.org.uk/">https://www.eastcotehousegardens.org.uk/</a></li></ul><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/30874157737/in/album-72157703436849055/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Eastcote Walled Garden"><img alt="Eastcote Walled Garden" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4858/30874157737_4a758798e9_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Entry (or exit) to the Walled Garden, July 2018<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table></div></div>
</div></div></div>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-62977337236689989672024-01-11T18:15:00.002+00:002024-01-11T18:16:07.257+00:00St Dunstan-in-the-East<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/4630227452/" title="St Dunstan-in-the-East"><img alt="St Dunstan-in-the-East" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3417/4630227452_7f9ce60dce_n.jpg" width="240" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A window at St Dunstan-in-the-East,<br />May 2010</i></td></tr></tbody></table><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;">St Dunstan-in-the-East is a remarkable little gem hidden away in the busy City of London: a medieval church which was destroyed in the Second World War, leaving the interior an empty shell. </span><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;">The tower and steeple, designed by Sir Christopher Wren, have survived and remain today as a grade I listed building.</span><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;">The church was built around 1100 in the gothic style. It was badly damaged in the Great Fire of London of 1666, and patched up in the following years instead of being rebuilt. Wren's steeple was added 30 years later; it was designed it in the gothic style to match the old church. The church was again rebuilt in the 19th century, before being bombed in the Blitz of 1941. It was then decided not to rebuild St Dunstan-in-the-East.</span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;">The ruins of the church are now a public garden, which was opened in 1971. A lawn and trees have been planted within the remains of the remaining north and south walls, which are overgrown by climbers and wall shrubs. There are several sitting benches and a low fountain in the former nave, about where the altar would have been.</span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;"><br /></span></div><div><span face=""Segoe UI Historic", "Segoe UI", Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif" style="background-color: white; color: #1d2129; font-size: 15px;"><b>How to get there:</b><br />The garden is located on St Dunstan's Hill, south of Great Tower Street, half-way between London Bridge and the Tower of London. It is open daily all year, from 8am to 7pm or dusk if earlier. Like most parts of the City, this garden is usually emptier, and quieter on weekends (although these days, always popular with Instagrammers).</span></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/4629619995/in/photolist-5sptgg-5CXmM2-5CXnKK-5CXpUr-5CXrGK-5D2CkN-5D2FyL-5D2HyS-5D2Kfd-5D2LhL-846tTv-846ufP-846vo8-846vLe-8471Jp-8472cH-847368-849ydU-849zwd-849zMA-84a62A-84a7qw-84a8iN-93h5Pc-93h5Xe" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="St Dunstan-in-the-East"><img alt="St Dunstan-in-the-East" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/4035/4629619995_f6cac7af60_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>A shaded path in the church garden, May 2010</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/3044465632/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="St Dunstan in the East"><img alt="St Dunstan in the East" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/3226/3044465632_96a43199fe_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>St Dunstan-in-the-East in autumn, November 2008</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>
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<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-51586539429789417492024-01-10T22:30:00.002+00:002024-01-11T08:07:54.579+00:00Strand-on-the-Green, Forever<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; margin-right: 1em; text-align: left;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/241782430/" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand on the Green"><img alt="Strand on the Green" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/89/241782430_1afeb5efe9_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strand-on-the-Green,<br />September 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<p>Strand-on-the-Green is a picturesque walkway on the Thames in Chiswick, west London, running east from Kew Bridge alongside historic houses and charming pubs. </p><p>It was one of the first "little places" that I knew in London - by chance, as I was staying in the area and got introduced to this lovely place on a trip to one of its pubs. It still is one of my favourite spots in London, and I usually visit once a year.</p><p>Time passes differently here.</p><p>The river is still tidal here, and a full spring tide will flood the footpath (in which case you just have to stay in the pub).</p><p>There are three pubs in Strand-on-the-Green, which are particularly popular on nice evenings when you can sit outside and watch the river flow by: The Bell and Crown, the City Barge (where a scene from the Beatles film "Help!" was shot) and the Bull's Head.</p><p><b>How to get there:</b><br /><b></b>Get to Strand-on-the-Green either by train, from Waterloo to Chiswick or Kew Bridge, or by District Line or Overground to Gunnersbury and bus and to Kew Bridge (bus numbers 237 and 267).</p><p><br /></p><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/161081486/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand on the Green, London"><img alt="Strand on the Green, London" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/66/161081486_afc455f65a_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Houses in Strand-on-the-Green, June 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><p><br /></p>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/161073244/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="The Bell and Crown, Strand on the Green, London"><img alt="The Bell and Crown, Strand on the Green, London" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/67/161073244_df87e9173d_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bell and Crown pub, June 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/248442743/in/photolist-bcaoz-bcaoC-bcaoF-dqfvy-dqfvz-fev1J-fev1S-fev2d-fev34-fev3E-fev3J-fexsN-fexsU-fexsW-fexsY-fext5-fext8-fezUX-fezV1-fezV2-fezV4-fezVd-fezVz-feRTq-feRUG-feRVk-feRVF-gguDY-nfmFq-nXjZv-nXknz-qY6Fi-bcaox-bcaoy-feRWb-feRWM-feTyY-feTz1-feTz2-nfk8x-nfk8K-nfk8N-nfk8V-nfk92-nfmFy-nfo1n-nfo1p-nncuu-nncuA-nncuF" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand-on-the-Green"><img alt="Strand-on-the-Green" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/91/248442743_c3f0de18f2_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Strand-on-the-Green seen from Kew Bridge, September 2006<br /></i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/4518374008/in/album-72057594111656936/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick"><img alt="Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/2746/4518374008_537407b519_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Dutch House and others seen from the beach, April 2010</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/161135413/in/album-72057594111656936/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand on the Green, London"><img alt="Strand on the Green, London" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/78/161135413_999e7b2bec_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Bull's Head pub and Kew Railway Bridge, June 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div><div><br /></div>
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<div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/140529450/in/album-72057594111656936/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Strand on the Green, London"><img alt="Strand on the Green, London" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/52/140529450_2e2993f770_c.jpg" width="685" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Thames at Strand-on-the-Green at low tide, April 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div>
<div><a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/albums/72057594111656936/" target="_blank">See more photos of Strand-on-the-Green on my Flickr</a></div><div><br /></div>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-1781057503458629432024-01-10T20:25:00.005+00:002024-01-11T08:08:32.742+00:00Remembering Kensington Roof Gardens<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/263193311/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kensington Roof Gardens"><img alt="Kensington Roof Gardens" height="320" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/81/263193311_ca229d0b3c_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Kensington Roof Gardens,<br />October 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><div style="text-align: left;">Kensington Roof Gardens were one of my most exciting garden visits when I first went, some time in the early 2000s. To turn into a side street off High Street Kensington, enter a building and ask a receptionist if you could visit the gardens on the roof top! And they said yes. I needed to sign in to a visitors book and then took the lift up to the roof level. There it was - this wonderful garden high up above the High Street, with its differently themed gardens and lots of corners to explore - it felt like I'd discovered a very secret place (although I must have had read about it in some tourist guide myself). In the years that followed, I took some other people along to visit. They were all delightfully surprised, particularly when finding the flamingos. I miss Kensington Roof Gardens.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The Roof Gardens are located on top of the former Derry and Toms building on Kensington High Street, and were formerly known by the same name, as Derry and Toms Roof Gardens. For a long time, they were the largest roof garden in Europe, covering 6,000 m². They were laid out between 1936 and 1938, and have been listed as a Grade II site by English Heritage since 1978. There are three themed gardens: A Spanish garden, a Tudor style garden and an English woodland garden (home to the flamingos).</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">More about the gardens and their history can be found on <a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kensington_Roof_Gardens">Wikipedia</a>.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><div style="text-align: left;">The gardens closed in January 2018, it is currently not known when they will re-open or what that may look like. Here's hoping that they may provide once more that little excitement of secretly visiting someone's hidden roof garden.</div><div style="text-align: left;"><br /></div><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>
<div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/263187037/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kensington Roof Gardens"><img alt="Kensington Roof Gardens" height="514" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/102/263187037_655187afcd_c.jpg" width="686" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>Palm trees in the Spanish Garden, October 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table></div><div><br /></div><div><br /></div><div><table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><tbody><tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/263183169/in/photostream/" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" title="Kensington Roof Gardens"><img alt="Kensington Roof Gardens" height="513" src="https://live.staticflickr.com/108/263183169_9e4e823c81_c.jpg" width="684" /></a></td></tr><tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><i>The Spanish Garden with Union Jack and Virgin flags</i><i>, October 2006</i></td></tr></tbody></table><br /></div>
<script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-47235928658456077832018-02-17T15:56:00.001+00:002024-01-07T14:43:49.489+00:00Cannizaro Park's Crocuses in 2018<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/26446526108/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4655/26446526108_7e7539e250_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
<i>Crocuses flowering at Cannizaro House - 17 February 2018</i><br />
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Spring is almost here! The crocuses are back.<br />
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Crocus-time and Cannizaro Park are two of my favourite things in London. When I first came to Cannizaro Park 8 years ago, I'd just missed most of the crocuses. I came back <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/02/crocuses-in-cannizaro-park.html">a year later to photograph them</a>, and <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2012/02/cannizaro-park-crocuses.html">again in the next few years</a>, until my last visit in 2013. I returned today.<br />
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Compared to those previous years, the carpet in the Crocus Walk area didn't look <a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/8530543989">as stunning</a> (but still pretty). I don't know, as it's been rather cold, if more crocuses are yet to come. Those that were out looked a bit battered, maybe from the recent rain. Still, with the sunshine, the sweet scent of the flowers in the air, and bumblebees buzzing around them, it was as lovely there as always. I got as close to the action as I could and took lots of crocus close-ups!<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/39421028445/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4672/39421028445_d266419d52_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/39421094525/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4710/39421094525_cdb312c25e_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/38509450040/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4770/38509450040_328965a208_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/38509461270/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4648/38509461270_0b50560c98_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/39421113915/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"><img alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park" height="768" src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4620/39421113915_04c4aaf2b4_b.jpg" width="1024" /></a><script async="" charset="utf-8" src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js"></script><br />
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Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-37126800353580401202018-02-16T21:20:00.000+00:002018-02-16T21:20:25.287+00:00Dreaming of Summer at Capel Manor<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/36849031075/in/datetaken-public/" title="Capel Manor Gardens"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4377/36849031075_765b507035_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Capel Manor Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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It is cold and I am looking forward to the first warm days of spring, and to visiting more parks and gardens again in the following months. This reminds me, one of my last garden visits in 2017 was to Capel Manor Gardens, in August, and I haven't posted the photos that I took there yet.<br />
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It was summer then, and I feel that the photos here show the warmth of those days. My favourite place at Capel Manor was the Walled Garden--I loved how secluded and quiet it was, and its old-fashioned planting, it felt like having travelled into a different time. The photos shown here are of the Walled Garden.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/36849006425/in/datetaken-public/" title="Capel Manor Gardens"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4412/36849006425_86b078e995_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Capel Manor Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/36710012441/in/datetaken-public/" title="Capel Manor Gardens"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4338/36710012441_d5a72724cc_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Capel Manor Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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There is much, much more to see, though. A map that can be downloaded from the <a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/leaflets.html?did=2">Capel Manor Gardens website</a> shows all the different themed gardens there are, including trial gardens for Which? and the <a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/sunflower-street.html">front and back gardens of Sunflower Street</a>, designed by former students of Capel Manor College.<br />
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<b>More information:</b><br />
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<a href="https://www.capelmanorgardens.co.uk/">Capel Manor Gardens website</a><br />
<a href="https://www.capel.ac.uk/">Capel Manor College website</a><br />
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Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-91147602245482493402017-07-09T18:29:00.000+01:002018-02-16T23:35:39.565+00:00Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35631152802/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4237/35631152802_397a33e7bb_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Islamic Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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Here is a garden that seems so little known, that on a sunny afternoon there was hardly anyone there, while the surrounding Burgess Park was bustling with people. I didn't remember how Chumleigh had found its way on my list of London gardens to visit; this feels as obscure now as the garden itself.<br />
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I came here after visiting the <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2017/07/vauxhall-lavender.html">Lavender Garden in Vauxhall Park</a>, via Myatt's Fields Park, and a good stroll through Burgess Park; I felt hot and exhausted. The only thing I remembered from reading about Chumleigh was a picture of a water feature with pretty tiles and a palm tree - shown in the above photo - a promise of a calm coolness. Before I found this, I melted away in the hot summer colours of the English Garden.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960294494/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4263/34960294494_1c68aa26f4_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The English Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35631216332/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4266/35631216332_428e96c036_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The English Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960277374/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4230/34960277374_9deae9b599_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The English Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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I hadn't expected such a well laid out and planted flower garden here. The English Garden looked like it could have been part of some country estate. The pretty buildings surrounding it probably contributed to this though.<br />
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They are <a href="http://www.exploringsouthwark.co.uk/chumleigh-gardens/4591825935">19th century almshouses, built by the Friendly Female Society</a>. They now host a cafe and nursery. The multi-cultural garden around them was <a href="http://www.bridgetonowhere.friendsofburgesspark.org.uk/the-story-of-burgess-park-heritage-trail/heritage-trail-a-l/chumleigh-gardens/">created 1995 and is designed to reflect the area's diversity</a>. As well as the English Garden, there are an Oriental, an African and Caribbean, an Islamic, and a Mediterranean Garden, which are sat behind the almshouse buildings and are even more secluded and tranquil.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35631145982/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4236/35631145982_afc8fd45f1_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Mediterranean Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35412006410/in/datetaken-public/" title="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4209/35412006410_a71d6e2ff6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Chumleigh Gardens, Burgess Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Mediterranean Garden at Chumleigh - 8 July 2017</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-19508981699089208422017-07-08T19:49:00.000+01:002018-02-16T23:37:47.053+00:00Vauxhall Lavender<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960039414/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4215/34960039414_1e6a01af9b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Lavender Garden in Vauxhall Park - 8 July 2017</i><br />
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On a hot July day, the Lavender Garden in <a href="http://www.vauxhallpark.org.uk/">Vauxhall Park</a> feels like a place far out of London. It is surprisingly quiet. The air smells of lavender, there are bees buzzing around the plants. The grass below is burnt by the sun. This is summer; you think that you are somewhere in the South.<br />
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Yet this is South London, only a few minutes walk from Vauxhall Station. Just over a hundred years ago actually, there were lavender fields not far away from here. Today, there is <a href="http://www.carshaltonlavender.org/">Carshalton Lavender</a>, a community project that opens the opens the field to the public at their annual harvest weekend end of July, and the <a href="https://www.mayfieldlavender.com/">Mayfield Lavender</a> fields in Banstead. And there is lovely little garden here in Vauxhall Park.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960046264/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4240/34960046264_975d41d41d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960020544/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4255/34960020544_ae6e6378c6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35668153441/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/35668153441_4f09cc124f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/35759666566/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4277/35759666566_645b37025c_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/34960002514/in/datetaken-public/" title="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"><img src="https://farm5.staticflickr.com/4285/34960002514_f8801a5bd6_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Vauxhall Park Lavender Garden"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-34684752703676413322017-04-09T21:47:00.000+01:002018-02-16T23:42:50.136+00:00Return to Cannizaro Park<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33781001742/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cannizaro Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2835/33781001742_db42caeeef_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Cannizaro Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Spring sunshine in Cannizaro Park - 9 April 2017</i><br />
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Wimbledon's Cannizaro Park has been one of my favourite places in London since I <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/02/discovering-cannizaro-park.html">first found it in 2010</a>. I used to visit regularly, in particular to see <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/02/crocuses-in-cannizaro-park.html">the crocuses</a>, which <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2012/02/cannizaro-park-crocuses.html">carpet the park in February</a>.<br />
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I went back for the first time in four years today; Cannizaro Park still is as lovely as I'd remembered it. What I love about this place is that despite it being a fairly big park, it's so secluded, with its several little gardens hidden away within it. I've always thought that the park has an enchanted feel to it, and it was casting its spell it in the spring sunshine today.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33553592070/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cannizaro Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2906/33553592070_99b907f623_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Cannizaro Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Cherry blossoms at the Rose Garden - 9 April 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33808403931/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cannizaro Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2837/33808403931_d777be65b3_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Cannizaro Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Snakeshead fritillaries - 9 April 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33125601883/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cannizaro Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2878/33125601883_c6c9865275_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Cannizaro Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Cannizaro House and the Sunken Garden - 9 April 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33938456245/in/datetaken-public/" title="Cannizaro Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2813/33938456245_db69e5f46a_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Cannizaro Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Spring flowers in the Sunken Garden - 9 April 2017</i><br />
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Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-27348786156337152722017-04-08T20:33:00.000+01:002018-02-16T23:39:30.343+00:00The Bluebell Wood in Wanstead Park<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/33073196824/in/datetaken-public/" title="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2818/33073196824_9849ab911f_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Bluebells in Wanstead Park - 8 April 2017</i><br />
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When I wrote about <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/04/where-to-see-bluebells-in-london.html">where to see bluebells in London</a> back in 2011, I didn't know yet about Wanstead Park. Some time after I must have learnt there are bluebells there; I first went to see them in 2014.<br />
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The Wanstead Park bluebells are the best in London: A proper bluebell wood! They're out now, and can be found in Chalet Wood, just to the north west of <a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/visitor-information/Pages/the-temple-wanstead-park.aspx">the Temple in Wanstead Park</a>.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/26710865586/in/album-72157667720780946/" title="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1583/26710865586_b6d7a811be_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Wanstead Park bluebells in April 2016</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/26710843766/in/album-72157667720780946/" title="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"><img src="https://farm2.staticflickr.com/1456/26710843766_beea872615_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Wanstead Park bluebells in April 2016</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/13935525768/in/datetaken-public/" title="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"><img src="https://farm6.staticflickr.com/5318/13935525768_04a2bfb34d_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Wanstead Park bluebells in April 2014</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/14118847481/in/datetaken-public/" title="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2940/14118847481_4cd9436a2b_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Bluebells in Wanstead Park"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Wanstead Park bluebells in April 2014</i><br />
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<b>Links:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/visitor-information/wheretogoineppingforest/Pages/wanstead-park.aspx">City of London: Wanstead Park</a><br />
<a href="https://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/things-to-do/green-spaces/epping-forest/visitor-information/Pages/the-temple-wanstead-park.aspx">City of London: The Temple in Wanstead Park</a>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-89174172489954357382017-03-01T20:49:00.000+00:002018-02-16T23:41:21.027+00:00Spring Blooms at Myddelton House Gardens<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32280960353/in/datetaken-public/" title="Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2771/32280960353_0d878d3583_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Alpine Meadow and Rock Garden - 24 February 2017</i><br />
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Myddelton House Gardens in Enfield is one of those places that spring visits early. Myddelton House was the home of the 'Crocus King' E. A. Bowles, and so it is no surprise that there are many crocuses, snowdrops, and some early daffodils flowering here now.<br />
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Most of these can be found on the Alpine Meadow and in the Rock Garden, but they are really sprinkled all around the gardens.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32250404904/in/datetaken-public/" title="Snowdrops and Crocuses at Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2733/32250404904_e7ba237d06_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Snowdrops and Crocuses at Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32713787110/in/datetaken-public/" title="Crocuses at Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2626/32713787110_856b96b649_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Crocuses at Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32939843892/in/datetaken-public/" title="Daffodils at Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm4.staticflickr.com/3828/32939843892_c99907e979_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Daffodils at Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
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Spring 2017 marked my second visit to this lovely garden. I first visited three years ago, when I didn't have a good time, and then stopped exploring parks and gardens and taking photos, something I had previously enjoyed a lot. All is good now.<br />
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There is a lot more to see at Myddelton House Gardens: A Victorian conservatory and glasshouses, a pond and ornamental gardens, and a over 100 years old wisteria. I think I'll be back later in the year.<br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32969015581/in/datetaken-public/" title="Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm1.staticflickr.com/702/32969015581_e939c87db5_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>The Rock Garden - 24 February 2017</i><br />
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<a data-flickr-embed="true" href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/32939817432/in/datetaken-public/" title="Snowdrops at Myddelton House Gardens"><img src="https://farm3.staticflickr.com/2485/32939817432_0ed1602a45_b.jpg" width="1024" height="768" alt="Snowdrops at Myddelton House Gardens"></a><script async src="//embedr.flickr.com/assets/client-code.js" charset="utf-8"></script><br />
<i>Snowdrops- 24 February 2017</i><br />
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<b>Links to websites with more information:</b><br />
<a href="https://www.visitleevalley.org.uk/en/content/cms/nature/gardens-heritage/myddelton-house-gardens/">Visit Lee Valley website</a><br />
<a href="http://eabowlessociety.org.uk/garden.htm">E. A. Bowles of Myddelton House Society</a><br />
<a href="http://www.londongardenstrust.org/features/myddelton.htm">London Parks and Gardens Trust</a>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-64402352256361004402012-09-22T22:17:00.000+01:002017-02-26T22:20:21.125+00:00The Beale Arboretum<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/8012830674/" title="Beale Arboretum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8437/8012830674_f62e429f32.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beale Arboretum"></a><br />
<i>The Beale Arboretum; looking towards West Lodge Park - 22 September 2012</i><br />
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The Beale Arboretum is, I reckon, just about still in London. It is located in the grounds of West Lodge Park Hotel in Cockfosters. The hotel has been run by the Beale family since the 1940s, and the Arboretum was founded by Edward Beale in 1963. Its 35 acres are home to over 800 species of trees.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/8012824045/" title="Beale Arboretum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8451/8012824045_aea5e581cf.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beale Arboretum"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/8012831938/" title="Beale Arboretum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8295/8012831938_d9f404cb9a.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beale Arboretum"></a><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/8012821321/" title="Beale Arboretum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8042/8012821321_b96c7b472d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Beale Arboretum"></a><br />
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<b>Links:</b><br />
<a href="http://http://www.bealeshotels.co.uk/westlodgepark/the-hotel/arboretum/">http://www.bealeshotels.co.uk/westlodgepark/the-hotel/arboretum/</a><br />
<a href="http://http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=ENF049#">http://www.londongardensonline.org.uk/gardens-online-record.asp?ID=ENF049#</a><br />
<a href="http://www.gardenvisit.com/gardens/beale_arboretum">http://www.gardenvisit.com/garden/beale_arboretum</a><br />
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<i>Note: I started writing this post in September 2012, before giving up my blog and not looking at it for almost 5 years. I found it saved as a draft and decided to publish it with its original date.</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-715437263059513812012-09-02T20:52:00.000+01:002012-09-04T07:28:29.494+01:00Things to do in London in Autumn 2012<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/2934452483/" title="Apples in Fenton House Garden, Hampstead by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Apples in Fenton House Garden, Hampstead" height="375" src="http://farm4.staticflickr.com/3173/2934452483_9bd862dd48.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Apples in the Orchard at Fenton House, Hampstead</i><br />
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It's already September, and autumn is just around the corner - time to enjoy London outdoors before it gets cold and uncomfortable. Several London parks and gardens have special events lined up for our favourite "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness", including autumn walks and apple and pumpkin days.<br />
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<h2><b>Autumn Events</b></h2>At the National Trust's <b>Fenton House in Hampstead</b>, the annual <b>Apple Weekend</b> will be held on 15 and 16 September, from 11:00 to 17:00 on both days. (<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/find-an-event/?uuid=95550bcb-8d7b-4dbb-8021-6e975d6d6307">Fenton House website</a>)<br />
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Another National Trust property, <b>Red House in Bexleyheath</b>, will be holding its Apple Day on Sunday, 14 October, from 11:00 to 17:00. (<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/find-an-event/?uuid=c9f7d525-f320-4d58-bce9-5a6d655b92b6">Red House website</a>)<br />
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<b>Osterley Park in West London</b> won't be celebrating apples, but pumpkins - Pumpkin Festival will be taking place on Sunday, 28 October, from 12:00 to 16:00. (<a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/whats-on/find-an-event/?uuid=d2a0a9fb-ff9a-4264-b75d-bcdea6a07db6">Osterley Park website</a>)<br />
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The <b>Hampstead Heath Heritage Festival and Conquer Championship</b> is a free event, which will take place on Sunday, 17 October, from 11:00 to 16:00, at Parliament Hill Bandstand.<br />
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Later in the year, <b>Syon Park in Isleworth</b> will open its gates in the evening for the <b>Enchanted Woodland</b> again - on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays, from Friday 16 November to Sunday 02 December, from 17:00 to 21:00. (<a href="http://www.syonpark.co.uk/news.asp">Syon Park website</a>)<br />
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<h2><b>Walks and Tours</b></h2>At <b>Syon Park</b>, there'll be an <b>Autumn Tree Walk with the Head Gardener</b> on Sunday, 14 October, with tours at 11:00 and 14:00. (<a href="http://www.syonpark.co.uk/news.asp">Syon Park website</a>)<br />
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<b>Kew Gardens</b> are also showcasing their trees' glorious autumn colours with a <b>Tree Identification Tour</b> every Wednesday and Saturday from 03 October to 31 October. (<a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/tree-identification.htm">Kew Gardens website</a>)<br />
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On Friday, 19 October, and Saturday, 27 October, there'll be two "Ramble in the Park" <b>Autumn Walks in Hyde Park</b>. (<a href="http://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-events/ramble-in-the-park-autumn-a-season-of-mellow-fruitfulness">Royal Parks website, 19 October event</a> and <a href="http://www.royalparks.org.uk/whats-on/upcoming-events/ramble-in-the-park-autumn-a-season-of-mellow-fruitfulness-1">27 October event</a>)<br />
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<h2><b>Don't miss before they close for winter...</b></h2>English Heritage's <b>Eltham Palace and Gardens</b>, glorious in autumn, will remain open during the winter, but on Sundays only; the last chance to visit on Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays as well, will be 31 October. (<a href="http://www.english-heritage.org.uk/daysout/properties/eltham-palace-and-gardens/prices-and-opening-times">Eltham Palace website</a>)<br />
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<b>Fenton House and Garden</b> will stay open for longer than normally this year, before they close for winter - the last day to visit will be Sunday, 4 November.<br />
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The garden at <b>Osterley Park</b> will be open until 4 November, Wednesdays to Saturdays 11:00 to 17:00.<br />
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<i>For an overview of these events, and more, also see my blog's calendar <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/p/calendar.html">here</a>.</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-89780332188398478662012-08-31T21:09:00.001+01:002012-08-31T21:09:44.761+01:00Late Summer Colours at Golders Hill Park<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/7890261616/" title="Golders Hill Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8036/7890261616_b9d51d2646.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golders Hill Park"></a><br />
<i>Golders Hill Park in the morning sun - 28 August 2012</i><br />
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While walking around Hampstead Heath this morning, I was thinking how autumnal it already felt, and that not so long ago I'd been thinking "finally, summer is here" on one of my Hampstead Heath walks, coming past the same place; and there haven't been enough of these walks in the last months.<br />
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I've been trying to better this, and earlier this week I visited Golders Hill Park before work. I thought then, too, that it's the end of summer already, looking at the hot "Indian Summer" colours of the plants currently flowering in the garden there.<br />
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Some of the beds in the flower garden at Golders Hill Park were replanted a while ago, and they're looking great now. Here's hoping for a long "end of summer" and that we'll get to enjoy these colours in the right weather!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/7890253468/" title="Golders Hill Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8450/7890253468_151b688491.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golders Hill Park"></a><br />
<i>Flower bed with a showy hardy geranium</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/7890258418/" title="Golders Hill Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8298/7890258418_389bd923aa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golders Hill Park"></a><br />
<i>Dahlia and sedum</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/7890274536/" title="Golders Hill Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm9.staticflickr.com/8038/7890274536_e7f29617fa.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Golders Hill Park"></a><br />
<i>The colourful flower garden seen from the other side of the pond</i><br />
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I've written an introduction to Golders Hill Park <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/04/golders-hill-park.html">here</a>. There are many more photos of the park in my <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/sets/72157624223813945/">Flickr set</a>.Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-54166886749026594762012-03-02T19:16:00.000+00:002012-08-31T21:29:44.491+01:00More Than a Million Crocuses at KewThe crocuses in Kew Gardens are currently at their best–both crocus vernus ('Jeanne d'Arc', 'Purpureus Grandiflorus' and 'Pickwick').near the Palm House and crocus tommasinianus 'Whitewell Purple' on the Princess Walk are in bloom, creating stunning carpets. There's another large patch of crocus tommasinianus near the Temperate House.<br />
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More crocuses and other early spring flowers are appearing elsewhere in the gardens, too. Keep an eye on <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/whats-on/spring-2012/bulb-map/index.htm">Kew's Bulb Watch map</a> so see what's in bloom when.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6798236302/" title="Crocuses by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocuses" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7068/6798236302_20e6100c62.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Crocus tommasinianus 'Whitewell Purple' - 1 March 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6798237258/" title="Crocuses by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocuses" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7049/6798237258_1bfb469cbc.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Part of the crocus carpet next to the Princess Walk - 1 March 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6944352209/" title="Dutch Crocuses by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Dutch Crocuses" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7037/6944352209_f4ce5b07ca.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Dutch crocuses, with the Palm House in the background - 1 March 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6798241700/" title="Crocuses at the Temperate House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocuses at the Temperate House" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7042/6798241700_c81d52429e.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Crocus tommasinianus, near the Temperate House - 1 March 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6798241074/" title="Crocuses at the Temperate House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="Crocuses at the Temperate House" height="375" src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7062/6798241074_0ce3b8d344.jpg" width="500" /></a><br />
<i>Crocuses and the Temperate House in the background - 1 March 2012</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-7224354459000136322012-02-23T23:43:00.000+00:002012-02-23T23:49:18.681+00:00Cannizaro Park Crocuses..and so it's crocus time in Cannizaro Park again. Welcome back spring!<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6923811031/" title="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7040/6923811031_dc695fd98c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>Crocuses in Cannizaro Park - 23 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6923795475/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7186/6923795475_df06665f71.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>Crocus tommasianus - 23 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6923809921/" title="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7182/6923809921_9dd5ac65e6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>The Crocus Walk - 23 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6923794837/" title="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7209/6923794837_6651c36913.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Crocuses in Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>Crocuses - 23 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6923811813/" title="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7203/6923811813_a4edd28169.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Crocus Walk in Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>At the entrance to the Rose Garden - 23 February 2012</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-73265155395787898642012-02-23T21:24:00.000+00:002012-02-23T21:24:03.241+00:00Chiswick House Camellia Festival 2012A couple of days ago, I visited Chiswick House and Gardens to see the camellias in the conservatory there, which is now open for the second Camellia Festival. I went to the first Festival <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/02/camellias-at-chiswick-house-and-gardens.html">last year</a>, and the camellias were showing more blossoms then. Probably the recent cold surprised them, too, and they just need a few more days to open their buds.<br />
The Camellia Festival is running until 18 March, so there is still time to enjoy them in bloom. For more information, see the <a href="http://www.chgt.org.uk/?PageID=408">website of Chiswick House and Gardens Trust</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6918349107/" title="Camellia japonica 'Welbankiana' by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7044/6918349107_1bfb88bfb1.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Camellia japonica 'Welbankiana'"></a><br />
<i>Camellia japonica 'Welbankiana' - 21 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6918353215/" title="Camellia japonica 'Imbricata' by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7041/6918353215_310c0a0ef3.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Camellia japonica 'Imbricata'"></a><br />
<i>Camellia japonica 'Imbricata' - 21 February 2012</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-35187417577047178602012-02-10T18:51:00.001+00:002012-02-10T18:51:47.263+00:00Snowdrop Days at Chelsea Physic Garden<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6835722439/" title="Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7144/6835722439_a69fb07093.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden"></a><br />
<i>Snowdrops (galanthus plicatus) and primroses – 7 February 2012</i><br />
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Chelsea Physic Garden is closed during the winter months, but every year opens its doors to the public for its Snowdrop Days event in February. This year's Snowdrop Days are from 4 to 12 February–two more days to go!<br />
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I went there on Tuesday; this was my third visit, the first time that it was sunny <i>and</i> there was snow (I've only ever been to the Chelsea Physic Garden for the Snowdrop Days, although I do intend to visit in summer some time).<br />
It was lovely. You wouldn't think at the moment that spring is around the corner, but here are heralds of spring, and there are many of them in the garden, on display in a plant theatre and growing in the flower beds. There is a snowdrop trail you can follow, and there are guided tours, too. For more information, see Chelsea Physic Garden's <a href="http://www.chelseaphysicgarden.co.uk/">website</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6835728817/" title="Chelsea Physic Garden by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7151/6835728817_b38e638405.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Chelsea Physic Garden"></a><br />
<i>Chelsea Physic Garden – 7 February 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6835741673/" title="Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7017/6835741673_2b6ae0410f.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Snowdrops at Chelsea Physic Garden"></a><br />
<i>Galanthus 'S. Arnott' – 7 February 2012</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-90540978173168967822012-01-06T18:35:00.000+00:002012-01-06T18:35:26.733+00:00Winter Blossoms at Kew GardensIt feels a bit as if spring is just around the corner. It's not been really cold, and now I'm already on the lookout for the first spring flowers–I saw the first snowdrops yesterday, crocuses today, and many other spring bulbs have been sending out shoots. (I actually spotted the first bluebell shoots in our garden in mid-October...)<br />
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Before spring arrives–or a blizzard–it's now time to appreciate the lovely blossoms of the shrubs and trees that flower in winter, many of which are so beautifully scented. They can be found in Kew Gardens, where there's something to see at any time of the year.<br />
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There are many winter-flowering shrubs in the Winter Garden near the Ice House and Princess of Wales Conservatory (this is where I took the pictures shown below), and more can be found between The Pond and the Victoria Gate. Near King William's Temple, there's a collection of hybrid witch hazels which have also started coming into bloom. More winter bloomers dotted around the gardens (a winter honeysuckle in the Duke's Garden could not be missed because of its scent).<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6648031605/" title="Wintersweet by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7163/6648031605_eb10637272.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Wintersweet"></a><br />
<i>Wintersweet (Chimonanthus praecox) - 6 January 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6648034199/" title="Viburnum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7012/6648034199_f8780a412c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Viburnum"></a><br />
<i>Viburnum (Viburnum × bodnantense 'Dawn') - 6 January 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6648033455/" title="Witch Hazel by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7145/6648033455_22f48b8e8d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Witch Hazel"></a><br />
<i>Witch hazel (Hamamelis × intermedia 'Pallida') - 6 January 2012</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6648035501/" title="Winter Honeysuckle by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7153/6648035501_1d6fc803e8.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Winter Honeysuckle"></a><br />
<i>Winter honeysuckle (Lonifera x purpusii 'Winter Beauty') - 6 January 2012</i><br />
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...And while Kew's spring bulbs are getting ready for their big show, this little carpet of cyclamen coum is a pretty surprise. It's underneath a tree next to the Cafe at the Victoria Gate.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6648043847/" title="Cyclamen Coum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm8.staticflickr.com/7025/6648043847_3d54ae0647.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cyclamen Coum"></a><br />
<i>Cyclamen coum - 6 January 2012</i><br />
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See you in spring!<br />Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-42082943323586074042011-09-24T18:02:00.000+01:002011-09-24T18:02:49.043+01:00Autumn in London<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/2967047825/" title="Autumn Leaves in Osterley Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr" imageanchor="1" style="clear:right; float:right; margin-left:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="180" src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3008/2967047825_011210cbc7_m.jpg" width="180" height="240" alt="Autumn Leaves in Osterley Park" /></a></div>London is beautiful in autumn. Here are some ideas for the "season of mists and mellow fruitfulness":<br />
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At <b>Fenton House in Hampstead</b>, the annual <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/event-search-2/events/display/8c5ae2c5-fcba-40b5-bd95-5c73d5baa1b9"><b>Apple Day</b> event</a>, "a celebration of the English apple in the historic orchard", is taking place this weekend, 24 and 25 September, from 11am to 4:30pm; adults £3, children £1.<br />
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Also in Hampstead, this year's <b>Conkers Championship</b> will take place as part of the <a href="http://www.cityoflondon.gov.uk/Corporation/LGNL_Services/Environment_and_planning/Parks_and_open_spaces/Hampstead_Heath/News+and+events.htm"><b>Heath Heritage Festival</b></a> on Sunday 9 October, at Parliament Hill Bandstand from 11am to 4pm; the event is free (and conkers will be provided!).<br />
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On Saturday 29 October, a <a href="http://www.chgt.org.uk/index.asp?PageID=400"><b>Family Pumpkin Day</b></a> will take place at <b>Chiswick House and Gardens</b>, and there will also be a <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/event-search-2/events/display/d2a0a9fb-ff9a-4264-b75d-bcdea6a07db6"><b>Pumpkin Festival</b></a> at <b>Osterley Park and House</b> on the same weekend, 29 and 30 October, 12pm to 4pm (this event is free).<br />
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Later in the year, from Friday 18 November to Sunday 4 December, <a href="http://www.syonpark.co.uk/enchanted_woodland.htm"><b>Syon Park's Enchanted Woodland</b></a> will give you a chance to wander around the gardens and arboretum when it's dark, with the trees illuminated by lights. 5pm to 9pm with last entry 8pm Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays; adults £7, children £3.<br />
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Some of the best places to see <b>autumn colours</b> in London are, of course, its many parks and gardens, and particularly beautiful are the <b>Kyoto Garden in Holland Park</b>, the gardens at <b>Eltham Palace</b>, and the <b>Pergola and Hill Garden</b> in Hampstead Heath.<br />
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Glorious displays of colours can also be seen at <b>Kew Gardens</b>; there will be guided walks and tours as part of <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/autumn-2011/Autumn-Festival-2011.htm"><b>Autumn at Kew</b></a>.<br />
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There are some seasonal <a href="http://www.royalparks.org.uk/events/">walks in the <b>Royal Parks</b></a>, too, for example this free <a href="http://www.royalparks.org.uk/events/event.cfm?id=2341"><b>Autumn Bird Walk in Richmond Park</b></a> on 15 October.Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-44426504986940211062011-09-14T21:52:00.000+01:002011-09-14T21:52:41.040+01:00The Walled Garden at Kenwood HouseThe Walled Garden at Kenwood House is a hidden delight, a pretty contrast to the wilderness of nearby Hampstead Heath. The garden is situated at the Heath's northern border with Hampstead Lane, next to the Kenwood Nursery.<br />
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It used to be the kitchen garden of Kenwood House, and hence is also called the Kitchen Garden. Today it's a flower garden which features hedges, borders, a kidney-shaped butterfly bed–and a sundial, which is made of stones sunken into the lawn.<br />
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There is another garden at Kenwood House, the Flower Garden, with azaleas and rhododendrons, to the west of the house.
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6147348409/" title="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img alt="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House" height="375" src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6154/6147348409_291b6f2d3f.jpg" width="500" /></a>
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<i>The butterfly bed - 14 September 2011</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6147346799/" title="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6161/6147346799_b142847b45.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House"></a>
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<i>The lavender hedge and butterfly bed - 14 September 2011</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6147899838/" title="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6086/6147899838_dd2078095c.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House"></a>
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<i>Benches - 14 September 2011</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6147901326/" title="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6208/6147901326_597199ffca.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House"></a>
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<i>The lavender hedge - 14 September 2011</i>
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6147893864/" title="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6147893864_2d3e35a15e.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Walled Garden at Kenwood House"></a>
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<i>The sundial - 14 September 2011</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-82427681287834749922011-08-31T20:50:00.000+01:002011-08-31T20:50:00.648+01:00Hampstead Heath in August<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6092527170/" title="Tumulus Field, Hampstead Heath by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6061/6092527170_28cd0edde6.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Tumulus Field, Hampstead Heath"></a><br />
<i>The Tumulus Field, looking towards South Wood - 29 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6092528672/" title="Trees on the Tumulus Field, Hampstead Heath by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6210/6092528672_9041a51473.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Trees on the Tumulus Field, Hampstead Heath"></a><br />
<i>Autumnal colours - 29 August 2011</i><br />
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I always take lots of photos of the Heath, too many for this blog; so I have decided to try a "one photo a day" project, it lives here: <a href="http://ayearonhampsteadheath.blogspot.com/">ayearonhampsteadheath.blogspot.com</a>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-47344642095062887872011-08-25T21:20:00.000+01:002011-08-25T21:20:18.186+01:00The End of Summer in Cannizaro ParkCannizaro Park was stunning in spring this year. I loved the <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/02/crocuses-in-cannizaro-park.html">crocuses in February</a>, and the other <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/03/cannizaro-park-in-march.html">spring blossoms in March</a> and <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/04/spring-has-come-to-cannizaro-park.html">April</a>–and then there was the dry weather. When I last visited the park in May, I thought that it looked very summery already, compared to last year, too.<br />
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Now summer seems to come and gone already; the dry grass, the trees that are beginning to change colour, the fallen leaves, and the autumn flowers that have started to appear give the park an autumnal feel.<br />
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And Cannizaro Park in autumn is something to look forward to...<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6077384828/" title="The Iris Garden, Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6188/6077384828_f6d2fc7098.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Iris Garden, Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>The Iris Garden in Cannizaro Park - 24 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6077385730/" title="Autumn Leaf, Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6189/6077385730_5bfdc5a744.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Autumn Leaf, Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>Fallen leaves - 24 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6076848233/" title="Cyclamen, Cannizaro Park by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6076848233_2bfb748888.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cyclamen, Cannizaro Park"></a><br />
<i>Cyclamen, near the Sunken Garden - 24 August 2011</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-66105047129611642452011-08-19T21:05:00.001+01:002011-08-24T22:32:10.682+01:00Kew Gardens in AugustI don't spend as much time walking around parks and gardens in summer, as I do in spring–and autumn. I like the change of seasons. Kew Gardens is a place that I visit regularly, because there is so much to see, and it changes all the time.<br />
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In the <a href="http://www.kew.org/visit-kew-gardens/garden-attractions-A-Z/japanese-landscape.htm">Japanese Landscape Garden</a> at Kew, the anemones are in bloom now, and the hydrangeas are still looking good, too. I like their soft pink hues, which I think make a nice change to the hot colours of many of the other late summer flowering plants.<br />
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And there are some early heralds of autumn, too: The first colchicums and cyclamens are out, in the Woodland Garden.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6059359830/" title="The Japanese Gateway by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6195/6059359830_9b13b32321.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Japanese Gateway"></a><br />
<i>The Japanese Gateway - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6059355346/" title="Japanese Anemone by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6066/6059355346_4d62c90974.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Japanese Anemone"></a><br />
<i>Japanese anemone in the Japanese Landscape Garden - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6059364454/" title="Lacecap Hydrangea in the Japanese Garden by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6080/6059364454_705e48f166.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Lacecap Hydrangea in the Japanese Garden"></a><br />
<i>Lacecap hydrangea in the Japanese Landscape Garden - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6058846431/" title="Colchicum speciosum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6200/6058846431_dc6dff2115.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Colchicum speciosum"></a><br />
<i>Colchicum speciosum, in a flower bed near the Broad Walk - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6058845621/" title="Colchicum speciosum by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6068/6058845621_9dae44eba5.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Colchicum speciosum"></a><br />
<i>Colchicum speciosum - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/6058828501/" title="Cyclamen hederifolium 'album' by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6199/6058828501_18188f4d44.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Cyclamen hederifolium 'album'"></a><br />
<i>Cyclamen hederifolium 'album', in the Woodland Garden - 19 August 2011</i><br />
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More pictures: <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/sets/72157627469606318/with/6058846431/">Kew Gardens 19/08/2011 set on Flickr</a>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-2365124469807219012.post-88872254811162342302011-07-31T22:22:00.000+01:002011-07-31T22:22:00.945+01:00The Apple Orchard at Fenton HouseThe orchard at Fenton House isn't just <a href="http://blog.lauranolte.com/2011/03/spring-meadow-at-fenton-house.html">a lovely place in spring</a>, but in summer as well, when the apple trees mature and bear fruit. Still a while to go (and then it won't be summer anymore!); this year's Apple Day will be held on the <a href="http://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/main/w-events-find_event.htm?uuid=8c5ae2c5-fcba-40b5-bd95-5c73d5baa1b9">weekend of 24 and 25 September</a>.<br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/5969374187/" title="The Apple Orchard at Fenton House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6016/5969374187_4764de674d.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="The Apple Orchard at Fenton House"></a><br />
<i>The apple orchard at Fenton House - 24 July 2011</i><br />
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<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/laura_nolte/5969380225/" title="Apples in the Orchard at Fenton House by Laura Nolte, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6147/5969380225_928f64a2cb.jpg" width="500" height="375" alt="Apples in the Orchard at Fenton House"></a><br />
<i>Apples in the orchard at Fenton House - 24 July 2011</i>Laura Noltehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/11842146943823266280noreply@blogger.com0