those that have great bones and mature plantings.
Historic Gardens of significance are few and far between in our neck of the woods.
One garden that never fails to inspire is the Abkhazi Gardens situated on a rocky plot of land in a Garry Oak meadow.
This space is such a gem and a favorite spot for a meander and a cup of tea.
A friend and I walked over and met for lunch in the tearoom before touring the magnificent grounds.
Lunch was a delicious hot pot of Abkhazi Tea and salad Nicoise served on fine china in the sun filled living room that once was the home to Prince and Princess Abkhazi.
This garden will come alive in the next month when the Rhododendrons and Azaleas bloom.
Here we see the "bones" of the garden.
The water feature or pond is home to two elderly turtles.
I have seen the turtles basking in the sunshine on a sunny day.
Wisteria
gnarled
ancient and vast.
Terrace adjacent to the living room which serves as a tearoom.
The Land Conservancy owns and runs the garden and they are now serving breakfast as well as tea and lunch.
On a warm sunny afternoon this spot is a lovely place to spend time.
It's an oasis of loveliness.
The terrain is rocky and there are many levels
the paths lead the visitor on...
and there are many spots to sit and observe.
The Hellebores were putting on quite a show for us.
a simple euphorbia looks bright against the rocks
creeping plants hug the rocks and grow in very little soil
A rare Tasmanian bush with purple seed pods
the volunteer opened one up to show us
She gave me several and I am going to try and grow one.
I'll need lots of luck as I do not have a knack with seeds.
The day we chose to wander the grounds started out as a sunny one but quickly turned grey and overcast.
You'll have to trust me when I tell you how amazing this place really is
as the images that I have taken really do not do it justice.
I posted about this magical place a few years ago and you can see it here in full bloom.
Gardens... should be like lovely, well-shaped girls:
all curves, secret corners, unexpected deviations,
seductive surprises and then still more curves.
~H.E. Bates, A Love of Flowers
Must run along as I am busy busy
going on a wee adventure
I'll be back soon.