Backblip

After a very wet journey we detoured off the M6 to visit Arley Gardens although time prevented us from exploring the grounds properly but hopefully in the future we will get an opportunity to visit the Hall too.  The immaculate gardens have many different areas including a herb garden, a scented garden, a large kitchen garden, topiary and a long herbaceous border which is described as one of the best in Britain and must be magnificent in summer.
The photos show the Cruck Barn built in 1471 with each pair of crucks formed from a single oak trunk split down the middle and all assembled without any metal nails. The Hall was built in a Jacobean style to replace an earlier house and in front is a sundial dating from the 18th century of a kneeling American Indian made of lead with the sundial on his head. 
The pond with a modern flower sculpture fountain is surrounded by statues of four heraldic beasts which were originally on the roof of the house.   Tall columns of Holm oaks lead to the rhododendron garden but I was very impressed by the Turkey oak just outside the wall with its many limbs resting on the ground and probably giving support to the large tree.
It was hard to choose which of the many photos to use as the colours of the spring plants were spectacular and even the cold wind and pouring rain did little to spoil our break from a long drive.

Number 34 of my sundials