One of the great things about being a member of the National Trust is that a signpost can catch your eye and you can decide to detour and visit at no additional cost to your day (unless tea and cake are involved). I have to admit I invariably allow myself to be led astray by such signs on the promise of tea and cake.
I was driving back from Long Meg and her Daughters and heading towards the cottage I was staying at when I saw a sign for Acorn Bank. "I've heard of that" I thought and pulled off the road to park and have a quick google. I set my sat nav to follow the signs and off I went.
When I arrived at Acorn Bank it looked like the forecast rain would be joining me very shortly, but I set off regardless. The person on the gate informed me that it was a not a 'refreshments' day with that air of fear in their voice that made me think they had disappointed a few visitors on this day. There would be no tea and cake but I would cope until I got back to the cottage. I clutched the leaflet I had been handed to show me the various paths around and to the house/gardens. I set off through the woodland walk which quickly became clear was a very good idea.
I soon reached the watermill, that still mills flour that they sell.
I liked this structure/seating area,
and I admired the wonderful plants as I wandered through.
I think these might be petasites, I love the lushness of them.
On I went, enjoying this ramble through the greenery.
and then I arrived at the house. I wandered towards the garden.
American Pillar - is that you?
I liked the formal garden that wound around the side of the house, it has an Arts and Crafts feel to it.
and a pair of godolphins by the pond. I do love a godolphin.
They have an extensive orchard of 175 different types of apple.
I enjoyed these wildflower strips in the veg garden,
and there was this small wildlife pond in the veg area, what a fantastic idea this is. I would love to do something similar and it will have to be done.
and I stood by this euphorbia for a while, I really like it and need to find out what type it is and get some.
I spent the most wonderful time on this unexpected visit, I found it the most fascinating place to explore. Just as I was thinking I had seen what there was the heavens opened and it was time to head to the car as tomorrow was going to be a bit of a long drive to the garden I was looking forward to the most in visiting.
Plus there was tea and cake waiting for me.
More of which another time.....
