The Garden of the Apprentices

It's very green, has lots of hedges and yes, I loved it! Oh and by the way we're still on the Cheverny bit of our Loire trip, but this is the last post from there - and well, I couldn't not show you the hedges, could I?

This was our view as we left the chateau, with the lawn cutting going on on our right we were met with this view. I don't think it's one you could tire of. Unless you were in charge of cutting the hedges here, then it might turn into the stuff of your nightmares!

This is the Garden of the Apprentices and I tell you I wouldn't want to be an apprentice that got a bit over enthusiastic clipping here, would you? 

Many people would just walk through this garden, but I loved it. I loved its greenness, the textures and the shapes and shadows with just a few plants. I find the topiary we have - three box balls and a triangular yew tree - therapeutic to cut and snip. But here, I wonder if it might just be another job to do, or if it really is a labour of love?

There's certainly lots to cut and keep under control. And as this photo shows layer upon layer of green, and texture, and interest. And a bench. Even the apprentices must need a seat every now and then.

There was work going on during our visit - you can just peek the machinery at the end of this magnificent arch - and this path was closed. We were diverted around this and so got to view it from the side. Something I suspect we wouldn't have done, had the path through it been open.

But it certainly gave us a different view of the iron structure and the plants clambering across it, which I think were wisteria. Now wouldn't that be something to experience when it was in full flower? Especially with the alliums along the edge picking out the colour. Sadly no wisteria on our visit, but we were able to enjoy the allium border.

And before we knew it we were at the Orangerie - now a cafe - so we sat a while and enjoyed the view. And watching people trying to walk down through the arch *completely innocently* before being turned back and made to observe the closed path signs. He he, people watching is still one of the best things to do wherever you are!

Three of my favourite hedges

Yes, you read that right. I have favourite hedges. They're pretty special too. I love how they're shaped and recognisably so. At home I shape some of my plants but so far haven't really ventured too far from the box spheres or the cone shaped yew.  Maybe one day I will, but in the meantime I'll be admiring these hedges instead.

1. The "wave" hedges at the Thames Barrier Park

We discovered this one on a bike ride and it was an unexpected find especially so close to home too. The hedges are in one an old lock which was an entrance to London's docks. We've cycled past these many times since and one day I'll stop again for another photo shoot!

See more at: Hedges at the Thames Barrier Park

2. The bubble hedges at Houghton Hall

This was on another cycling adventure and quite a day too.  As I made my way to Houghton Hall to meet MOH my chain came off and without any tools to start to fix it I was stranded until MOH found me.  That prompted a purchase of my own bike tool as you'd imagine I didn't want to be stuck like that again.

We got soaked, dried out in the cafe and had a great afternoon wandering around the house, its grounds and the walled garden - it's a huge place too, so plenty of room for hedges.  These bubble hedges were my favourite but there's also the Sybil hedge here and much, much more to see.

See more at: Hedges and huts at Houghton Hall

3. The elephant hedge at Stiffkey

Another Norfolk hedge, this one is in someone's garden so to see this one there was some strategic walking up and down and getting up on tiptoes. But it was worth it, just look.

See more at: Stiffkey hedges and stores

So there you have my favourite hedges, do you know of more I'd like?