Blooming wonderful - 16 May 2009

Another London hidden gem we recently heard about is the Isabella Plantation in Richmond Park. This is a glorious display of rhododendrons and azaleas. Sadly, they were probably at their best two weeks ago, but we managed to see them before the end of their 2009 season. Richmond Park itself is so extensive, a car (or horse) is a good way to get around.

By way of contrast, we headed out to Buckinghamshire in the afternoon, to visit Nether Winchenden House. It was, started in the 13th century, had a fair bit of Tudor work, including some wonderful chimneys and then the “new” modifications, done late 18th century to modernise it, now have the interest of antiquity. The same family have lived in it for the last 400 years, and we were fortunate to be shown around by the current owner. This made it extra interesting, as he was able and willing to show off items of furniture, one usually wishes could be opened.

We detoured home via Long Crendon and Denham, to see some magnificent wisteria we had hoped to see when flowering; both were, like the morning's blooms, just a little past their prime.