Conker

It may be 28 degrees C, but it is also trying to be autumn! I thought you might like to see the little'uns collection of treasures from our recent outing to the nearby Beth Chatto Gardens which has a wonderful woodland area. We collected some beautiful leaves, some acorns (which didn't make it home - expect they'll turn up in the glove compartment or my glasses case or somewhere untoward!) and this fantastic feather, which we think might have belonged to an owl? The conker is from Brightlingsea, the first one of the season. I've always loved picking up conkers, so I was pleased to discover in one of the James Wong books that you can actually use them for healing, rather than just knocking the seven bells out of other conkers with them (must be a boy thing!). If I had, or knew anyone with, varicose veins I would definitely be making them this.

Forty Hall

A lovely day out in the sunshine at Forty Hall, Enfield on Saturday - the first time we had explored the beautiful grounds. Picnic lunch by the lake watching this family of Canada geese..



and a walk through the lovely walled garden, including beautifully laid out herb beds..





The extensive grounds are looked after by the London Borough of Enfield as Forty Hill Country Park and are open to the public free of charge - well worth a visit if you are in the area.

Chelsea Physic Garden

Many thanks to Dave for reminding me to look up the opening times for Chelsea Physic Garden, a fantastic secret walled garden tucked away in central London (a few stops on the bus from Victoria station). It was begun in the 17th century as an apothecary's garden in order to train apprentices in plant indentification and promote the study of botany in "physic" or the healing arts .

I can confidently assert that anyone who finds this blog interesting will love it!

As its open more often this year, I'm hoping to go once a month as there is so much to see and of course it all changes! If anyone is planning a trip to London, it would be well worth fitting it in.



2008 Season: 19 March - 31 October
Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, 12-5pm
Sundays 12-6pm
Bank Holidays and Good Friday, 12-6pm
Last admission 30 minutes before closing

Extended Opening Information for 2008
The Garden is open from Monday to Friday 12-5pm during Chelsea Flower Show week 20-24 May inclusive (Please note that on Thursday 22 May the Garden will not open until 2pm.)
In July and August the Garden is open until 10pm on Wednesdays, last admission at 8:30pm. The cafe will be open until the Garden shuts.