Billy Knights, a retired farmer began designing and creating the Water Gardens in 1970 in his 70th year. The site was a damp meadow which became too wet for cattle to graze.
Mr Knights’s son jokingly suggested he should have a water garden, which prompted him to draw out plans (on the back of a piece of wallpaper) and he soon had machines in, digging out the ponds and waterways.
He worked on his garden with love and enthusiasm until he died aged 93. For over 20 years the gardens had been open to the public.
Both Billy and his wife Florence loved their gardens and sharing them with others. With this in mind and as a tribute to her parents Coral began restoration in April 2002. Having been unattended and closed for five years the gardens had become quiet derelict.
However, they were re-opened again in June 2003, with a new car park, refurbished tearoom/gallery, a toilet for disabled people and an 8 acre Natural Trail.
There has since been the planting of native shrubs and trees around the East Pond, the addition of a bird hide, bamboo grove, scented arbour, rustic roundhouse, stumpery and plant sales. *
* Information from the water gardens website
Tags: Gooderstone Water Gardens, Lingwood, Norfolk, Vacation
Today was my second stint of volunteering in the Visitor Reception Area at Attingham. So far I am really enjoying the opportunity.
After scanning visitors cards on entry to Attingham it was my turn for a brisk walk around the parkland.
Tags: #walk1000miles, #walk1000miles2024, Attingham Park, National Trust, Portrait, Self Portrait, Visitor Reception, Volunteering
My ultimate destination was Apley Woods and when I arrived, I was disappointed. I know at this time of year the trees are mostly bare with maybe a few buds emerging. This type of scenery has a beauty all of its own. On this visit I found that many trees and bushes had been cut down leaving parts of the woods quite barren.
On my way to the woods I detoured, taking a route from one of the newly mapped Coronation walks that I was unfamiliar with. I walked it from memory after reading the walking guide to the route. I found this an interesting small detour from the routes I am familiar with.
I also detoured to find a car park in the local hospital. On my walks over the years, I had observed the car park from below and was never sure if it was part of the hospital car park. During mum’s recent stay in hospital, I was able to view the car park from above. One of the rooms she stayed in had the perfect view over the helipad and the car park beyond. Thankfully mum is home now.
Before returning home I decided to visit Leegomery Pool only to find that it too was not what it used to be. A large ‘metal’ handrail added to the steps down to the pool now dominates the view.
Tags: #walk1000miles, #walk1000miles2024, Apley Woods, Leegomery Pools, Princess Royal Hospital, Shropshire, Silkin Way
A human being is part of the whole, called by us “universe,” a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feelings as something separated from the rest – a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.
Albert Einstein
Tags: Albert Einstein, Cherie's Place Thought, consciousness, Giordanno-Naxos, Italy
This book is a labour of love with recipes, lovely dialogue along with memories and helpful tips for tweaking recipes.
The book is a joy to read and the recipes we have tried have been delicious.
Tags: #3, 2024 Books, Books, Rick Stein
Away, away, from men and towns, To the wild wood and the downs, – To the silent wilderness, Where the soul need not repress Its music.
Percy Bysshe Shelley
Tags: Cherie's Place Thought, Ty’n Y Cornel Hotel, Wales
