The Formal Gardens at Polesden Lacey

After focussing last week on the Head Gardener's Office I thought it would make sense to take you on a walk around the rest of the Formal Gardens. I managed to make my way safely past the guard on the gate and skirted round the house and into the garden as the sky was blue, but looking ominous.

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I soon found myself at the Ladies Garden unsure whether it was just for the Ladies or named because of the statues along the back there. Either way, as you can imagine it was the hedges that caught my eye, for a moment.

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That is, until I saw this wall. How quirky is this? And how fabulous? 

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I bet it has a story to tell.

But onward, into the Rose Garden with its paths edged with lavender. And if you're wondering - wha... lavender? These pictures are from back in July, I stumbled upon them last week.  But oh, can you just imagine the scent...

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I liked this view out into the Herbaceous borders. I'd love a wall like this, but I'm just not so keen on seeing my neighbours through it (no offence neighbours if you're reading!).

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I wandered along to and through the Thatched Bridge, but as time was short and there was a large slab of cake calling I didn't go any further, but I quite liked this shot I think it has a tranquil feel to it.

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Looking at the sky that was greying by the minute, and thinking of that slab of cake I headed back along the Herbaceous Borders, and paused the other side of the hole in the wall, this time to admire the Achillea.

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And of course the Red Hot Pokers, I've always got time for them.

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As I reached the house, I stopped as I always do to check out the view. Even in July you can see the distinct colours of the trees, I can only imagine how much better it would get in autumn. My timing was impeccable, as I reached the front of the house I felt the first few drops of rain so I was able to dash inside and start my tour of the house. I'll share more on that and no doubt about Mrs Greville soon.

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Holiday apartments in London with Short Let London

Often when we go away we prefer to stay in cottages or apartments, choosing them over hotels. I mean, staying in a hotel is nice and can be a real treat, but mostly having a place to relax in is what we're after. So when Short Let London got in touch and said that's possible and affordable in London I was intrigued to know more.

FROM OUR STAY IN A DORSET COTTAGE, JANUARY 2015

FROM OUR STAY IN A DORSET COTTAGE, JANUARY 2015

We find they provide a welcome return from your day's sightseeing, walking or cycling and with all the home comforts too. And if you've had a full day and don't want to go out for dinner again, then it can be a bowl of pasta or cheese on toast if that's what you feel like. 

Short Let London have two hundred fully furnished, self-catering budget apartments and flats in central London to choose from online, and that sounds like a great option to me for anyone planning a trip here.

Accommodation is expensive in central London and staying further out means a longer journey before starting what you'd planned for the day. So if you're planning a trip to London, why not consider a stay in one of their London Holiday Apartments in either Bayswater, Queensway, Lancaster Gate or Paddington?

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON 

PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON 

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

 PHOTO CREDIT: SHORT LET LONDON

I definitely recommend exploring an apartment or cottage stay, as I think they give you the opportunity to make your trip your own. And I couldn't finish this post without sharing one of the most stunning sunsets from our trip to Tuscany, where we opted out of staying in a hotel. Having our own space to share and admire sunsets like this made for a truly magical holiday.

A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET FROM OUR HILLTOP COTTAGE IN TUSCANY

A BEAUTIFUL SUNSET FROM OUR HILLTOP COTTAGE IN TUSCANY

 

This is a collaborative post with Short Let London, but all words and opinions are my own.

The Head Gardener's Office

I was going through my photos last night and spotted some photos from a visit to Polesden Lacey way back in July. It was on one of those days where MOH was doing some training rides up and down Box Hill and the surrounding area in preparation for the London-Surrey Ride 100 and after dropping him there I'd decided to take myself off and do something more interesting instead...

And that involved a drive to Polesden Lacey through some lovely - but narrow - country lanes, a walk around the gardens avoiding the rain, a look inside the house as it rained outside and a very nice lunch in the cafe before getting the call saying he was done. Actually I wasn't done, I was partway through my lunch and a very nice slice of cake, so MOH set off for another trip up and down the hills while I finished my cake and met him back in the Box Hill car park. I like to think that last lap made all the difference...

Anyway, back to Polesden Lacey. It was my first visit and while I saw a lot I'm sure I barely scratched the surface. Today I'll share some pictures from the Head Gardener's Office and his view over the cutting garden.

Henry Smith was head gardener between 1938 and 1964 and built this office and potting shed to replace the originals which were bombed during the Second World War. He would have used the space to plan his crops and record information in his account books and journals, and it continued to be used for the same purpose until 2002.

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Sadly I couldn't actually get into the office, but I leaned in as much as I could for these photos.

Doesn't it look fab? And doesn't it look like a place you could potter around for ages in?

AH... TERRACOTTA POTS

AH... TERRACOTTA POTS

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Yes, that is a bike you can see in the doorway there. And a fine looking one at that, with the all important wicker basket. I'm hoping that this weekend I'll be able to get out on my bike - I've missed it.  

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And what a view. It's the type of orderly and productful plot I hanker after. If my plot over at the allotment ever looks as good as this then I'll be very happy.  

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And isn't the cottage in the background quaint and traditional with its decorative gables. I needed a closer look. It was even better close up. And you can stay in it too. As much as I wanted to peer through the windows, I resisted. 

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And I'll leave you with some very summery shots, that are just beautiful. Ah yes summer, seems so long ago now, doesn't it? 

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Linking up to HDYGG and PoCoLo