Now you sedum ...

... now you don't!

At least, I hope the succulents are sedum or it rather spoils my pun! 

Today (for a modest ticket-cost), I discovered the delights of "the secret seaside gardens of Blackpool" - Blackpool Sands, near Dartmouth, Devon, that is! Went for a walk with a friend from the village down to Blackpool Sands and enjoyed lunch together at the beach cafe. Then we crossed the road to visit the gardens that, until this week, I hadn't even noticed. At least, I'd seen the intriguing green gate in the wall, but didn't know what lay beyond.

The gardens, restored over the past ten years, date from the 19th century, and include many sub-tropical trees and flowering bushes. Leading through the steep hillside garden, grassy paths zigzag between loads of wonderful vegetation, many labelled, others numbered and identifiable by way of a leaflet. Details include their country of origin and the year they were introduced to the garden by the owners' ancestors.

It was an absolute delight. These were just two of the rustic seats dotted around the garden, some offering glimpses of the sea and/or beach below. Absolutely fabulous. 

Do you ever dream of a new wonderful place, or an extra room in your house that you've only just discovered was there? Well, it was a bit like that. Suddenly, there's this haven - filled with birdsong, too - right on my doorstep. 

We're now planning to find out if we can buy local season tickets; see what Sir Geoffrey Newman says ...!