… the time of perfect young summer, the fulfillment of the promise
of the earlier months, and with as yet no sign to remind one that its fresh young beauty will ever fade.”
– Gertrude Jekyll, On Gardening
Last Sunday we decided to take the day off from cleaning and clearing and go down into Derbyshire for a walk around the open gardens in the village of Birchover near Bakewell.
It was if you remember a very hot day and not a lot of shade for me but I was determined to see as many of the gardens as possible I just had to walk more quickly around the ones out in the open. Luckily most people have a tree or two which provided me with some cover when I needed it.
We began our tour at an artists garden – this was my absolute favourite although my photo does not do it justice.
I have never seen a garden with such a limited colour palette before but this one really works. There were three basic colours – green of course with many shades and tones of purple and cream through to lemon. The planting was casual and mainly Ferns, Irises, Alchemilla Mollis, Geranium and Lavender and the majestic plant to the right (which may be a Thalictrum?) all surrounding a daisy lawn. The paint colour of the house toned in well with the garden. The effect was amazing.
Behind this ladies cottage is a tiny white-painted chalet used as an artist’s studio and gallery complete with wood burning stove. This would be my absolute dream.
Before long we headed for the village hall named the Reading Rooms were they were serving tea and cakes.
The hall has now had a full refurbishment and is well used by all members of the community.
The notice on the wall made interesting reading – the hall opened in 1907, but only men were allowed to go and read the newspapers provided to broaden their horizons. The rules state that 3 newspapers had to be provided (which I forgot to make a note of but I think one was the Sporting Times!) and no women were allowed.
It was a good cup of tea and a delicious slice of Victoria sandwich cake made by the village ladies.
Lower down the lane is the church of St Michael’s originally built as a private chapel for the owners of Rowtor Hall.
It is a modest church with a tiny graveyard sited next to the huge old vicarage (now a private residence). In the large picture below you can see that this would have been the garden entrance from the hall which then became the vicarage from what I understand.
In contrast to the traditional window in the chancel the stained glass windows pictured below in the South wall are the work of acclaimed artist Brian Clarke and generously gifted to the village. Clarke lived in Birchover for a number of years and his work has worldwide recognition.
The striking clear colours and simple shapes are stunning.
The pew ends had been delicately decorated with a few wild flowers for the event.
On leaving the church we decided to wander further down the lane to stay in the shade.
The notice above is asking the Council not to spray this section of verge to preserve the wild flowers and the organic garden beyond.
We eventually came across Rowtor Rocks – a series of caves and intriguing rocks to explore – we will definitely go back and have a walk around here another day. This is just one of the unusual caves at the entrance.
Such a beautiful day the light dancing on the water and through the overhanging trees was quite spectacular.
We walked all the way up to Rocking Stone Farm with the promise of Pimms and strawberries – well worth the trek even in the heat.
We walked back into the village and spent another hour wandering from garden to garden. On the South side of the village all the gardens seemed to have a stream running through or a babbling brook probably coming from the same source and occasionally disappearing underground in places. Most of the gardens had made a feature of the water like the picture below.
Out on the main street under the shade of the trees was a pottery stall run by two lovely ladies who belonged to a co-operative pottery studio.
This little bowl in particular caught my eye – I am told it is a bubble glaze – and you might now spot it on my dining room table!
What beautiful surroundings you live in. Love, love, love the little hut with stove, I think I’d live out there! Tea and cake and visiting gardens is just my idea of heaven.
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My favourite sport – at least it gets me out in the fresh air and walking and I find it so relaxing – and what a wealth of ideas I gather.
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What a fabulous day out. That would be my ideal day out.
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I am running around trying to do loads of jobs at the moment so we can go out to the Great Longstone open garden event this afternoon – this is one of those typical sleepy English villages of little stone cottages with abundant displays of flowers in their gardens and has always been a favourite village for me.
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This made me so nostalgic for England! I loved the modern stained glass – thank you for the outing Viv.
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It’s good to get out at the weekend and open gardens are just up my street.
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I love everything about this post. One of my favourite posts ever! How I would love to visit Derbyshire. It is calling to me! x
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It is a wonderful county – getting a bit busy these days but well worth a visit.
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They always say it takes a visitor to help one appreciate one’s local area!
I grew up fairly near to Birchover but you have whetted my appetite to go and have a proper look as I’ve never noticed all the things you found .Like you I’d love to investigate the caves.
Your bowl is beautiful, simple yet eye catching. Sue, at “Our New Life in the Country”, said that she’s changed to white crockery. I did several years ago because then pieces like your bowl are complimented by the white.
One last thing…….I love the photo below the comments’ box!
Sue
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Hi Sue – what a lovely place to grow up in – I have only ever been a visitor but from the age of about 2 when Grandma and Grandad had a small chalet on a site in Calver. My own girls also spent a lot of time there when we took over grandmas caravan in Bradwell. I get withdrawal symptoms if I don’t have a regular visit to Derbyshire.
I love my little bowl.
I am not sure what photo you are seeing below the comment box?
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The one of you sitting on a bench next to a rather rigid lady reading a book!
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I didn’t know that came up after the comment box I hadn’t intentionally added this – I have obviously clicked on something without realising! I’m pleased you can tell the diference between me and the statue though!!
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I love the artist’s garden, the chalet/artist studio and the modern stained glass windows! All lovely photos. I’ve never had Pimm’s – must remedy that 🙂
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It would be my dream hideaway to have a place to sit and paint all day even in the winter – the fact I can’t paint anything like she can spoils that dream a bit!!
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I always enjoy visiting village open gardens. You can always pick up ideas that you can copy and visualize in your own garden. The pimms and strawberries must have be an extra bonus! I love the colours in the Artist garden too. Sarah x
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My number one favouriet hobby at the moment – the open gardens not the Pimms but Pimms is close!
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What a beautiful post! This post has made me put an English summer on my must do list.
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