Maybe I should say "Even Londoners might not know every place."
I'm speaking of the Royal Park "Isabella Plantation" - a wonderful park in Greater London, and maybe you should wait a few weeks, but the first azalea on my balcony has opened her tiny buds and tries to envelope herself in a veil of fragrance (though today the weather changed: from 20°C yesterday to 7°C now.).
I visited the Isabella Plantation last year in my monthly stay in London end of May. Everything was still flowering, but on the verge to vanish. It was Trish, (my sweet landlady and now my friend) who told me about it - in her long life she hadn't been there, but heard about it.
And it was marvellous! The long way from the station and bus station was a bit -- very solitary -- but as an 'Urban Warrior' I wasn't that worried. And you can go there by car. It is in Kingston upon Thames.
It is a huge park, mostly rhododendron and azaleas, some very old ('Planted in 1831' reads the plaquette beside a huge rhododendron), and beautiful little brooks.
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Then follows a heather landscape with a big pond.
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Find the time - plan to go there - it is really worthwile, because gardeners and nature are giving their best - nature even as a florist.
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http://www.royalparks.org.uk/parks/richmond-park/richmond-park-attractions/isabella-plantation
What a great find, Brigitta!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Susan! A park for every season - many rare plants and trees - but especially beautiful in early May when the azalea and rhododendron are in bloom.
ReplyDeleteI must admit I haven't seen the Rhodos flowering in the Isabella Plantation yet. Always the case when you have something right on your doorstep.
ReplyDeleteI planted 2 rhodos several years ago, one died due to a badly aimed spade, oops! The other has refused to flower as the soil and position is not ideal but I am loathe to move it because it is still very healthy looking and green.
Dear Paul,
Deletethe 'it-is-to-near-to-reach' phenomenon is interesting, isn't it? Same thing that people who live nearest are the last to arrive at a party...
Rhododendron: such a beauty in spring (and a bit of a bore in the rest of the year - might get philosophical again and think of some persons who are -- well -- umm -- rhododendrons). As the plants have a very long life: yours will flower -- some day. (Hopefully in a colour you like).
Looks gorgeous Brigitta!
ReplyDeleteDear Jane,
Deleteit was - and worth the long way I took by under- and overground, bus and feet.
Thank you for the tour!
ReplyDeleteDear Materfamilias,
DeleteYou're welcome! One always sits and stares at the photos to choose from - of course I've done lots and lots - e.g. the heather garden and the pond are beautiful too.