Friday 29 May 2020

Iris




In Jephson Gardens. As seen from the Mill Gardens.






Friday 22 May 2020

A bygone age?





 This is one of my favourite views of Warwick Castle, as seen from the bridge over the river Avon.




A medieval castle, developed from a wooden fort, originally built by William the Conqueror during 1068, it's situated on a bend of the river Avon. The original motte-and-bailey castle was rebuilt in stone during the 12th century. During the Hundred Years War, the façade opposite the town was fortified, resulting in one of the most recognisable examples of 14th century military architecture. It was used as a stronghold until the early 17th century, when it was granted to Sir Fulke Greville by James I in 1604. Greville converted it to a country house and it was owned by the Greville family, who became Earls of Warwick in 1759, until 1978 when it became a tourist attraction.




Behind the castle, across from the river, is this settlement of homes which is one of the quietest and most picturesque  areas of Warwick.




The cottages are delightful




and are reminiscent of village life.




Wisteria around the door and windows




red roses













on the other side of the road, timbered cottages










A much grander house as well







Following the river, the road bends to the left, and  there's another row, all the cottages picture-card perfect





















this wisteria is gorgeous














It's very quiet here, reminiscent of a by-gone age










I retraced my steps, went up to the bridge again where you can see the back gardens of some of the cottages. It must be wonderful living there, in this lovely street, with views of the castle from one's garden.



Tuesday 19 May 2020

St Nicholas Park


We went to St Nicholas Park in Warwick for our daily walk yesterday as Jephson and Mill Gardens are closed. A body was found in the river Leam on Friday morning and the parks have been closed ever since and will continue being so until the cause of death has been established. The body has been identified as that of a 65 year old man, his name has not been released yet.




Situated in the centre of Warwick, St Nicholas Park is vast and varied.




Due to the pandemic, the coffee shop, seen in the distance, is closed except for take-aways.








One of the park's nicest features is the stream, which runs along a small section of it.




The planting alongside the stream is wonderful and very creative.




Lots of colour at this time of year










A small bridge in the middle of it,




allows one to step over to the other side









At the end of the stream the river walk begins







It's a wonderful river walk




The ducks having a wonderful time in the sunshine







An avenue of copper beeches in the distance




Everything is so lush at the moment




The playing field on our left is massive




We reached the avenue of copper beeches




Surely, this must be the only public toilet in the whole country that has a thatched roof




Back at the stream




We then went along the river again,  but in the opposite direction




so that we could access the lower part of the park




mature trees




great contrast of colours




and some formal planting




finally, it was time to go back home.