As lovely as it is to get away, it usually takes a lot of planning and preparation on my part. Often, the most relaxing times, for me at least, can be those days spent closer to home. These kind of days are more spontaneous, take minimal planning for, if indeed any at all, and besides a little petrol, don't cost anything.
I enjoyed one of these days, this week. After an early lunch, we took a short drive out to Sizergh Castle, so we could have a wander around the gardens. It is really beautiful there, and although it can get busy at this time of year, there is plenty of space where you can experience some peace and quiet.
The flower beds are gorgeous, and there is plenty of contrast to keep my interest. Not being overly green fingered, I might not know all their names, but I can still appreciate them.
And we are always keen to get to the kitchen garden. I love to see the rows of vegetables, interspersed with companion plants, the fruit tree borders, sweet peas, and sunflowers. And Lily always loves to see Charlie, the resident cat, who on this occasion was lying fast asleep on a bench.
The fruit trees in the orchard are laden with apples and pears, and the wildflowers are attracting so many pollinators.We sat for ages in the limestone garden, watching out for the bright blue damselflies above the water there. The acers look really pretty now, but they will put on an even more stunning display of colour in the autumn.
Once we had visited the main pond at the front of the castle (of course we had to see the Lilies), we set off for home again, feeling relaxed and happy. Some places seem to have that affect don't they. Then my cup was filled even more, when I discovered what my own vegetable 'garden' had produced for me.
J. X
