Dixter Diary - Day 6

Today was another nice, sunny day and Thies and I took advantage of it with a trip to Gravetye Manor which was about a 1 hour drive away (Thies driving).  Originally built in 1598 by Richard Infield, this property achieved increased recognition when William Robinson, one of the greatest gardeners of all time and creator of the English natural garden, bought the manor and 1,000 acres on which it stands in 1884.  In 1958 this building became a fine hotel and restaurant and continues in that tradition with continued emphasis on the surrounding gardens and property.  We spent two hours exploring the gardens here with a stop at a local pub before a return to Great Dixter in the afternoon.

 cricket anyone?

 massive kitchen garden supplying the restaurant (above and below)

 protective fencing to keep out the critters

 human "rototilling" above - the old fashioned way

Thies along the Gravetye long border

I didn't neglect either my morning or early evening walks around Great Dixter today and continue to capture many wonderful images.  The weekend visitation at the gardens is quite amazing although not surprising.  I've enjoyed my solitary walks with no visitors though as you can really experience the gardens.  The church bells this morning at 9 am and 10 am respectively were quite impressive and I look forward to a return to work out in the gardens tomorrow.  I'll help tidy up in the morning but will spend the bulk of the day attending a study day entitled Exotic Gardening given by Fergus Garrett.  Absorbing his knowledge and comments for a day will be exciting.

 Autumn crocus above and below with Colchicum in the Meadow Garden

 yellow waxy bells (Kirengeshoma palmata) looking good

 the giant Gunnera is always impactful - here in a container arrangement in the Blue Garden

 teasel seed heads are let up for impact and here are catching the morning light

I finally found the Horse Pond this afternoon!