Iris

In Jephson Gardens. As seen from the Mill Gardens.

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.

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.