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Autumn adventures at RHS Wisley

PODcast IMG_8196If you read this round-up post, you’ll know we’ve visited RHS Wisley several times these past months. With each season showcasing a different look, we’ve just returned to see what Autumn had to offer.

When we arrived we discovered ‘Autumn adventure’ – an eye spy game RHS Wisley created that uses all the senses.

We had to SEE a yellow leaf, a robin, a red leaf, a gardener, some berries, a seed head, a bird hide and a spiders web. HEAR the sound of water bubbling, a tractor, footsteps on a wooden bridge and ducks quacking.

PODcast IMG_8312FEEL a pine cone, smooth sundial, rough bark, a green man, the wind of my face, dry, crunchy leaves, a warm hand to hold and flakey peeling bark. SMELL fallen rotting leaves, damp soil and plants, a tree and ripe fruit.

POD loved this game and we did well finding as much as we did. Not sure what she was most excited about the discovering, “escaping” or jumping in muddy puddles!

RHS Wisley showcased a completely different look to our last visit a few weeks ago. It was an explosion of colour, the leaves on the trees almost creating a warm glow. Everywhere you looked was simply beautiful.

PODcast IMG_8257Famously RHS Wisley is home to the local cultivar Nyssa Sylvatica ‘Wisley Bonfire’. For a few days in October this pyramidal broadleaved tree produces the most vibrant, fiery display as it’s leaves begin to fall. It’s impressive.

The Wild Garden offered hues of red, orange and gold. The Acers and Japanese Maples in particular looked amazing and it was wonderful to see the sunlight reflected on the water.

The Glasshouse was just as exciting as its been on previous visits. Offering an array of beautiful plants and flowers, the tropical zone showcased unusual species we’ve not seen before including a rather fabulous banana tree.

We were lucky the rain clouds dispersed while we were there – replaced with blue skies and glorious sunshine. Although a fleeting visit on this occasion, we left RHS Wisley tired and happy. If there was one word to describe Autumn there, it would simply be “wow”.

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill, How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus and Celebrate Autumn with Only the Best for Baby.

Forest fun at Alice Holt

PODcast IMG_7190We’ve seen so many great places recently including Alice Holt, a beautiful woodland setting cared for by the Forestry Commission. It was once the centre of a Roman pottery industry with hundreds of kilns producing pots of all shapes and sizes over a period of four centuries.

Located in Surrey, Alice Holt offers walking, cycling trails and play areas. It’s home to Go Ape where you can enjoy being adventurous high above the forest floor on zip wires, Tarzan swings and crossings. There’s also Go Ape Tree Top Junior which includes tree-to-tree crossings and a zip finale.

With POD not yet three, we tend to opt for the shorter waymarked trials of which there are several to chose PODcast IMG_7208from. The Habitat Trail for example is a 0.6 mile family walk with giant wooden animal play sculptures and the Willows Green Trail is 0.5 miles with a steep section.

Both of theses trails are short enough for POD to walk and explore her surroundings. On this occasion we provided her with a list of things to find in the forest – an acorn, bracken, a brown leaf, a stick, a blackberry and a fir cone. A task our toddler felt was necessary to undertake with her sunglasses on.

The Easy Access Trail at Alice Holt is a double looped route which enables visitors to experience a wide range of contrasting woodland habitats. Winding paths take you through dense conifer plantations and a majestic PODcast IMG_7253stand of mature Scots pine. The smell was just amazing.

Having taken a detour through the wonderful “deep dark wood”, we hit open woodland. Used for den building events, it was a great place for POD to hide, climb tree stumps and kick leaves.

Putting our heads through the holes was highly entertaining too especially when Daddy made lots of silly faces!

After collecting more leaves and twigs, we had a short food stop before spending time in the wooden play area. PODcast IMG_7257There POD got to explore before deciding she’d climb the ropes up the side of a pirate ship. Not only did she reach the top she did it in double quick time too. Not a bad effort for a toddler!

Alice Holt’s Habitat Trail has a rather impressive Totem Pole to admire before reaching the first play sculpture – an owl. It’s a great structure that enables children to climb to the tail and look down from the top of it’s head before using a fireman’s pole to reach the ground.

We then came across a Woodpecker Tree with a hollow trunk before reaching the bath and moth climbing walls. Although POD wanted to climb everything in sight, her favourite by far was the Giants Play Area where she got to sit in a giant’s chair!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill. If you have an outdoor post to share, click on the badge below.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

The sanctuary of Claremont

PODcast IMG_7421We’re really lucky there are so many National Trust properties in Surrey. We’ve discovered six now, including Polesden Lacey and Winkworth Arboretum we’ve visited month. There are several others still to explore and we will of course be back to those we’ve seen already.

Claremont is described as a place where the views always change, the water sparkles and the secret glades wait. Located near Esher, it’s steeped in 300 years of history and was once the playground of real princesses.

The serpentine lake greeted us when we arrived. A wonderful sight made all the more beautiful with surrounding trees showing the signs of Autumn. Across the water was a truly splendid turf amphitheatre.

PODcast IMG_7409Some unexpected sunshine meant we could enjoy an impromptu picnic beside the lake – after investigating the play area! It was such a peaceful place to be, we stayed there for a good half an hour. POD enjoyed chatting to the birds and ducks too.

We had fabulous views of the Island Pavilion as we walked round the lake. Shortly after passing a pretty Grotto, POD got the opportunity to kick some Autumn leaves. She then began collecting acorns, sticks and chestnuts as we walked. We were privileged to see two dragonflies near the waters edge although it was impossible to photograph them and hold a toddler. Especially as she wanted to take the picture!

PODcast IMG_7557On the opposite side of the lake we discovered ancient knobbly trees and the aptly named Ha-Ha. POD spent a lot of time in this hidden ditch. Either running down it and climbing up the other side or just lying on the grass laughing. On our travels we also found wooden stepping stones which she enjoyed jumping off before embarking on the Titanic pose you see in the slideshow.

Despite this high level of activity, POD still found the energy to embark on climbing the turf Amphitheatre when we reached it. Shouting “come on Mummy” as I bumbled behind her with the buggy and all our ‘stuff’, it was clear she was having the best day.

PODcast IMG_7526Not many can say their first hill roll was down a turf Amphitheatre, made all the more special as it’s the only surviving example of its kind in Europe. It took a while for POD to get the hang of lying down and rolling but once she did she loved it. She didn’t even mind when I removed the green animal poo she’d collected out of her hair!

We then headed up a steep hill. POD spotted a tree stump off the path so we took a slight detour while she sat on it and said “hello” to a spider. After passing the Cormelia Terrace we followed the path round to the Bowling Green and the spectacular Belvedere Tower.

PODcast IMG_7626We then checked out the Nine-Pin Alley which took us to the top of the Amphitheatre. Having promised our toddler she could dress up, we ventured to the Thatched Cottage next running past stone animals on the way. The cottage is a 19th Century building with a wonderful collection of toys and games. POD loved the hobby horses and baskets of wooden toys. Having tried on an outfit she decided she’d tidy up!

Finally, after riding a stone bear and getting soaked jumping in muddy puddles, we arrived at the Tearoom. There we sat outside and had a well-deserved lolly before heading home. We spent hours at Claremont and totally exhausted ourselves but it was so worth it.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus and Country Kids at Coombe Mill.

Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Winkworth Arboretum

PODcast IMG_7670Having recently visited Polesden Lacey, we’re exploring another National Trust gem. Located in Godalming in Surrey, Winkworth Arboretum is described as being far more than a walk in the woods. With twisting paths leading to secret glades and hidden views, it’s a dramatic location.

The wooded valley and lakes were purchased by Dr Wilfrid Fox in 1937 and given to the National Trust in 1952. Winkworth now consists of 46 hectares of wonderful colours including massed plantings of species such as Japanese, American and Norway Maples. Each was planted with their Autumnal impact in mind creating a beauty that blends in with the valley.

PODcast IMG_7822Much of the Arboretum is planted on steep slopes but there are ‘access all areas’ paths which enable visitors to make the most of their visit. This was great for us given we had a buggy laden with ‘stuff’ and a toddler.

The peak time to visit the Autumnal display at Winkworth is probably a couple of weeks away. We decided to visit slightly earlier so we could take in the wonder of it all. This had its advantages in that we had the viewing platform all to ourselves. POD found it a hugely exciting experience. It was a fabulous introduction to Winkworth given a few trees had already turned from green to yellow. As you’d expect, the views are incredible.

PODcast IMG_7780The Magnolia Wood was originally planted by Dr Fox. There are some fine specimens to be found including a rare Ginko tree. We spent a fair amount of time there as POD discovered different coloured leaves, acorns and twigs. We also found a wooden owl bench which she absolutely loved. It was a great location for views of the lake and pulling faces!

As we were minus Daddy and we had the buggy, the ornamental Boat House and surrounding lake was the only area we didn’t get to visit. The Azalea steps that connect the lake to the upper arboretum looked incredible as well. They were already ablaze with colour.

PODcast IMG_7922In the Badgers bowl you can see American Sweet Gum, native to the warm temperature areas of eastern North America and tropical montane regions of Mexico and Central America. There is also a splendid display of Sorrell Trees, Maple, Acer and the Katsura tree which is native to Japan and China.

The paths that lead down to Sorbus Hill provided the most stunning views. Not only were the trees displaying reds and oranges but clusters of bright berries were also visible. Such an amazing sight.

Also at Winkworth is a Holly wood which contains numerous kinds of Holly and a Winter garden. We can’t wait until Spring when Winkworth will be a carpet of bluebells although I’m certain we’ll be back before then. It’s a beautiful location whatever the time of year.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus. To join in click on the badge below.

Pulling faces

When POD was a baby, she screwed her nose up a lot. Although a sign of affection, some would see it as scowling and react with “what a strange thing to do” or “why does she do that?”. It was highly entertaining especially when she did this!

Playing in her travel cot she liked to stick her tongue out then squash her face against the netted sides. She knew it raised a smile and the *occasional* snort.

POD screwing up her nose is now an endearing feature. Just a few wrinkles in-between her wonderful blue eyes.

Her repertoire of facial expressions has expanded though. She can stretch her top and bottom lips over her teeth and simultaneously open her mouth really wide. If you’re lucky, it’s also coupled with “hewow”. Another one of her funny faces is here.

POD has recently taken to pulling faces with her fingers, usually at the most inappropriate moments. The face you see before you was made whilst visiting a National Trust property at the weekend. There was no reason for it and I don’t know who it was directed at – if indeed it was directed at anyone. Given she thinks rats come from carrots your guess is as good as mine!

Best of all was something unexpected that happened in the car on the way home. POD was quiet so presuming she’d fallen asleep I turned round to check her. What greeted me was a staring expression which said “that’s disgusting”. It was directed towards the CD player which was playing Little Red Riding Hood – a story she requests all the time.

It was such a strange face it made me laugh. When I glanced back again, her face was the same, she’d not moved. I looked briefly on two more occasions, exactly the same. She’d not reacted to my laughter at all. The final time I looked back, the expression hadn’t changed but a limp tongue was also out.

I haven’t laughed so much in ages, I was almost in tears. What made it so amusing was that POD didn’t crack, she didn’t even make eye contact. A brilliant moment that created a proper full on belly laugh. Not a bad effort for a toddler.

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? on PODcast and Magic Moments at The Oliver’s Madhouse.

Sszty!!

Exploring Polesden Lacey

PODcast IMG_6620We’re so lucky there are so many National Trust properties in and around Surrey. And becoming members means we can explore each of them as many times as we like.

There have been a few National Trust posts on PODcast already including Fairies and Bluebells, Maoris and a Secret Garden and Discovering Box Hill.

Poleseden Lacey is somewhere we’d not had the opportunity to visit until recently. Located in Great Bookham, near Dorking, this beautiful country estate was owned by Mrs Greville, a well-known hostess, for her to entertain royalty, politicians and the best of Edwardian society. The house contains her fabulous collection PODcast IMG_6643of art and ceramics.

King George VI and Queen Elizabeth also had part of their honeymoon at Polesden Lacey in 1923.

Set in spectacular views of the Surrey Hills countryside, the immense estate offers geocaching and waymarked walks. As we were without Daddy, we opted to pay the gardens a visit first. Walking alongside the house entrance and South terrace we were able to take in the most stunning of views.

We passed through a Winter garden, orchard and frameyard before reaching the magnificent rose garden. PODcast IMG_6641Walled gardens always have a mystical charm about them. Given we’d timed our arrival with the end of the Summer, it was amazing to see it looking so beautiful too.

Even the herbaceous border looked magnificent. POD enjoyed running around, peering at the views through the large iron gates and talking to statues. Polesden Lacey also offers a loggia, sunken garden and kitchen garden.

After we’d taken that all in, we took a walk in the grounds towards the estate’s woodland. We also discovered a bird hide which POD was hugely excited about although her noisy chatter meant the birds stayed away!

There’s something rather wonderful about Autumn smells and that damp feeling underfoot. You’ll see from the slideshow, Polesden Lacey is a absolute gem – we’ll definitely be back for some geocaching!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids at Coombe Mill and How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus.
Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Welcome to my circus

POD takes great delight in saying “hello” to everybody. If she gets no reply she’ll continue to say “hello” and wave until she’s acknowledged. Or she’ll say “Mummy I said hello to that man” and point at their face.

There are occasions when an innocent “hello” will be followed with some unwanted over sharing. Thankfully “hello, I done lots of farts” or “hello, do you want to see my bogey?” have only been directed to those visiting the house.

She likes to comment on what she sees “Look there’s a baby/boy/girl/dog/”butt-fly”/buzzy bee. And what she’s doing “I walking with the buggy”, “I eating raisins” or “I poke Mummy boob”. It’s great she takes everything so literally although she did ask for a scab to be taken out of the bin “Mummy I need to put it back on”.

POD has starting mimicking what we say, often in an identical tone with the same facial expression. She’s also introduced the play one parent off the other lark “Mummy, Daddy tell my off” and “Daddy, Mummy tell my off” when she’s being naughty.

There have been a couple of porkies told at nursery recently “we have rats at home” and “Daddy is in the pub watching rugbies” are personal favourites. Shouting “Mummy needs wine” to everyone we passed when leaving one night was a valuable lesson in why you should never share a shopping list with your toddler.

POD has a vivid imagination. Bathtime can be a subdued affair which involves swimming or jumping but can just as easily incorporate talk of baked beans and fish. She may also pretend to be in a castle and ask where her queen is. Following up with a “yes your Majesty” and a cackle when her invisible queen appears.

Bedtime has been a challenge these past weeks, she’s rarely asleep before 10pm even after running around all day. Last week she did fall asleep by 7.30pm but then woke at 1am, jumped out of bed and announced “I done my sleep”.

The best thing about owning a toddler is when they say something unexpected. Something that just makes you crack up with laughter and snort. Like standing outside a stately home and hearing her shout “Hello everybody, welcome to my circus”.

We’re linking this post up with Wot So Funee? over at Actually Mummy. If you’d like to join in click on the badge below.
Wot So Funee?

A defining moment

Sometimes a photograph defines a poignant moment. This is one of those, as was the wonderful image posted yesterday.

POD’s not slept well these past few weeks and is often still awake at 10pm. Monday became a day where it was necessary to get out of the house after she refused a nap. We headed to a local farm and she was typically asleep within five minutes. She didn’t even wake in the car to buggy transfer she was so shattered!

Once awake we looked at some rabbits and guinea pigs before heading over to feed the larger animals. Unknown to me it was just before their feeding time. Although POD is normally a brave little soul, hearing pigs, sheep, alpacas, goats and cows all cry for food at the same time was too much.

We cut our losses and headed to a play area where she quickly forgot her fears. After a brief spell on a swing, she was on a trampoline practicing her jumping skills. There was no stopping her after that, she climbed everything that could be climbed and said “hello” to anyone that would listen.

But then something happened. She climbed a walkway to a slide much longer than one she’d normally attempt. At the bottom she said “again” and off she went. The third time she headed up the walkway, instead of taking a left to the slide, she turned right. There larger children could access enclosed slides, or shutes, in varying sizes. Hesitating she opted to go through a tunnel instead and ran off straight afterwards. I found her at the top of one of the shutes requesting we go down it together.

Instead it was suggested POD go down it and I catch her at the bottom. I had no idea how fast she’d come down but it seemed like the safest option. This photograph was taken from part of the way up the shute. Although POD was apprehensive at first, she came down it on her own. Twice.

It was definitely a poignant moment. POD’s grown so much over the Summer. She looks different, she’s fiercely independent and she knows exactly what she wants. She’s trying to see how far she can push us. But she’s just growing up whether we like it or not. On Christmas Day she’ll say goodbye toddler and hello to three year old girl.

We’re linking this post up with What’s The Story? which takes place on this very blog. If you’d like to join in, click on the badge below.


Exploring The Royal Landscape

PODcast IMG_6469POD was beside herself with excitement at the prospect of jumping in muddy puddles. Waterproofed from head to toe she must have said “we jump in muddy puddles” at least ten times before we left the house.

We’ve visited The Royal Landscape before, its a man-made landscape that’s been shaped and planted over 400 years. Covering a thousand acres of garden and parkland, you’ll find the Virginia Water Lake there and its surrounding Georgian landscape. Not to mention two Internationally famous gardens – The Savill and Valley Gardens.

It wasn’t the day for browsing the gardens so we opted for a walk in the parkland. There’s a lot to see PODcast IMG_6514too whether it be the 100 foot Totem pole, a cascade, an obelisk raised by George II and part of a ruined city imported from North Africa.

The 100 foot high Totem pole was erected in 1958 to mark the centenary of British Columbia as a Crown Colony. POD enjoyed looking up it whilst gripping the railings.

She was in here element here. There were muddy puddles everywhere and we even came across a pond with both brown and white swans. Birds sat comfortably in trees surrounding the lake.

PODcast IMG_6552The knobbly trees were fascinating. Several looked like they had faces and one even looked like it had the head of a rhino! We also saw acorns and chestnuts on our travels.

At the waterlily-filled Cow Pond, the heavens opened. Taking shelter for a short while, we all donned our waterproofs and continued walking. The monsoon like rain did keep us entertained though and POD was happy, it meant even more muddy puddles!

We’re linking this post up with Country Kids over at Coombe Mill. If you have an outdoor post you’d like to share, click on the badge below.
Country Kids from Coombe Mill Family Farm Holidays Cornwall

Days out at RHS Wisley

PODcast Owl butterfly at WisleyImagine my delight when an email arrived with an invitation to enter the RHS’s first gardening blogging competition. They’re looking for posts about all things garden including days out at gardens and flower shows, gardening activities for kids and what’s happening in your own garden.

Many garden related posts have been written over these past months. But it seemed appropriate to reflect on what we’ve been up to at RHS Wisley given we’ve spent so much time there recently. Based in Surrey, it’s renowned as a world class garden that captures the imagination with richly planted borders and luscious rose gardens.

PODcast IMG_3988Our first visit this year was to see the butterflies in their state-of-the-art Glasshouse. As a keen photographer I was delighted to capture The Owl species even if it meant hovering my lens over someone’s shoulder! POD absolutely loved seeing them too and saying hello to the ducks afterwards was almost as exciting!

What’s amazing about RHS Wisley is that it changes every time you visit. A pond we’ve previously seen encircled by ducks for example was filled with Waterlilies and surrounded by fabulously lush scenery last time we visited. It’s funny how somewhere can ooze such peace and tranquility even with a toddler in tow!

The canal and Loggia always looks rather splendid but even more so on a sunny day. The adjacent walled PODcast IMG_3996garden provides the perfect place to stop and take it in amid a sea of purple and white.

We’ve wandered to the Arboretum and Fruit Field to see ripening grapes and an orchard with apples, pears and berries. At the broadwalk on Battleston Hill we’ve found Hydrangeas with large pointy heads not to mention award-winning Dahlias, Blackberries and Clematis.

The huge cathedral-like Glasshouse showcases a mind-blowing collection of plants across three climatic zones. It’s a bit like walking into a jungle with all the palms and creepers everywhere. I love it in there.

PODcast IMG_4123We’ve seen beautiful and exotic plants including difficult to grow, rare and endangered species.

We’ve also had a peek at the Garden Photographer of the Year exhibition there and an impressive Fuchsia display. The waterfall is always a beautiful sight – amazing how falling water instills a sense of calm.

RHS Wisley has varying events on throughout the year – one of which is The Scarecrow Trail. Designed by local Women’s Institute members, 100 uniquely designed scarecrows are dotted around seven acres.

PODcast IMG_3868With the theme ‘Strictly Scarecrows’, mostly were based on the TV programme although there were a couple made of straws and bubble wrap. There was even a crow created from bin bags, cut into strips like feathers. Our favourite scarecrow was Mary Poppins although POD insisted on introducing “Rabbit” to nearly all of them.

Finally, my love for close-up photography took us to our first Wisley Flower Show which is described as a spectacular yet informal late summer show. You can browse, buy and obtain advice from around 50 nurseries and garden trade stands including RHS Chelsea and Hampton Court Palace Flower Show medal winners. There’s also an Expert Zone offering advice and demonstrations from nursery owners and Wisley PODcast IMG_5917garden staff.

The most amazing explosion of colour greeted us when we arrived. There were wonderful displays with everything from Canna, Lillies and Clematis to Bonsai trees, Hostas and airplants. Not forgetting an array of unusual house plants and rare tropical varieties. We also saw the The National Dahlia Society Show which was pretty special.

I’ve taken hundreds of photographs at RHS Wisley recently – the slideshow showcases just some of my favourites. It really is somewhere that captures the imagination, whatever the time of year, and it’s a great family day out. It’s for that reason I’m entering PODcast grappling with a box of frogs into the RHS Gardening Blogs 2013 competition.

We’re linking this post up with How Does Your Garden Grow? at Mammasaurus. If you’d like to join in, just click on badge below.

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