BACK TO ENGLAND. . . .

. . . . . with photographs only . . . . One of our day trips from the B&B took us to Athelhampton in Dorchester.  I adored the gardens here which were built in 1891.  The Great Court, after 100 years has evolved into a unique topiary spectacle containing twelve pyramid yews, standing over 30 feet high. . . .

As I walked the perimeter of this topiary garden, there was always

a surprise. . . . .

The famous gardens at Athelhampton were made up of a series of rooms

which were divided by stone walls. 

Entering another garden room. . . .

This 'room' surrounded, in circular form, with stone and

cement columns.

A stone face behind moss. . . . almost every room

has a water feature. . . .so calming and so serene.

An iron gate with bells. . . . such a neat idea. . . as we enter

still another "room" in this garden

Ancient stone walls, ivy and statuary all share

and beautify each garden room.

A special place to sit and dream.

I loved this garden accent . . . . perfectly mossed and weathered . . .

A boy with his dog. . . .

This bench had reached the 'age of reason' but somehow,

it still added a bit of beauty to the garden.

A private residence in the garden.  A young family and heir to this

estate.

We were told not to miss the dovecoat. . . . . I am sad to tell you that I wasn't

quite sure what a dovecoat was. . . . .but, basically, it is a home for domestic

pigeons or doves. . . .

There was no doubt I had found the dovecote. . . . . the cooing of these

doves was calming into itself.

Lunch here was divine.  We ate at the Topiary Restaurant on the premise.

Everything is made using locally sourced fresh ingredients. 

The "watch house" at the entrance to Athelhampton as

we said goodbye.

"For every beauty there is an eye somewhere to see it.   For every

truth there is an ear somewhere to hear it.   For every love there

is a heart somewhere to recieve it."

~ivan panin

The English garden will always have a special place in my heart and soul.