My family stayed with us until the 3rd of August, and this proved to be the start of a 'bed and breakfast season' for us, since our house was scarcely empty during the whole month, and coping with the sheets and towels has been quite trying.
After all the family left, we went with a friend on a visit to Sheffield Park Gardens, the first this year though we have been a couple of times before. Although it was a very dull day, we quite enjoyed the visit, as the trees and shrubs are quite magnificent.
Even though it was such a dull day, there was no wind so the reflections in the water were wonderful, as you see. After a morning spent wandering through the trees and shrubs and a swift lunch, we crossed to the other side of the road to see the parkland area which we had never visited before.
This area was completely different, just open fields grazed by animals and sloping down to the river Ouse and we did not find it as interesting as the gardens. I think another time we'll just concentrate on the gardens.
The friend pointed out to us that another friend was likely to have a stall at a fair in Wadhurst in a few days time, so on Saturday we dropped in to see her before going on to Pashley Manor Gardens which are reasonably nearby.
Mr and Mrs James Sellick are the owners and current inhabitants of Pashley Manor, a Grade I listed timber-framed house, dating from 1550. They opened their gardens to the public in 1992. They and the team of gardeners pride themselves on the magnificent herbaceous borders, elegant rose garden and historic walled gardens, the productive kitchen garden, the woodland paths and the tranquil vistas that form this garden, not all of which I seem to have photographed, sadly.
I did manage a few photos of the magnificent herbaceous borders, though in August they are not at their best.
The roses were also past their best, but I did photograph the entry to one of the walled gardens, which must be spectacular when everything is in bloom.
As for the tranquil vistas, you would find the one below difficult to beat.
The strange figure to the left of the trees is a statue. This seems to be one of the many gardens where sculptures are on display, and you can buy any you really like - always supposing you have a few thousand pounds to spare!
The sculptures are less abstract than those in Riverhill, and I liked many of them. A particular favourite was the badger, which was really lifelike.
I think he would really need a wooded area though, and we lack a suitable one - not to mention being unwilling to pay the price asked!
Many of the sculptures were very realistic, like the little boy below.
I could just picture him sitting somewhere in the garden here.
I was particularly taken with the swimming pool, especially since it was such a hot day. I did wonder if it was difficult to keep the garden visitors from jumping in, it looked so inviting.
As you can see, there are further realistic sculptures at each corner of the pool, and a particularly lovely group which you can't quite see at the far side of the pool just behind one of the two chairs. There's a girl sitting on a bench with her face turned up to the sun, obviously enjoying the wonderful sunny weather, and a dog with a long feathery tail which looks rather like a red setter looking up at her and obviously hoping she will come and play. I can't remember the exact cost of each, but I seem to remember the group cost in the region of £20,000, so you'd need quite deep pockets if you wanted them!
I really enjoyed this garden, and regretted not having a bit longer there, especially since it was such a lovely day. Next year, we'll go again somewhat earlier in the year and stay a bit longer.
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