June 22nd 2011 saw Jean and I making an early start
from home in order to get to Farnborough in Oxfordshire. Not the
Farnborough of aeroplane fame, but a small picturesque village high up
on the Downs in Southern England.
We meet fellow garden enthusiasts opposite the former
home of John Betjeman: The Old Rectory. This is to be the last of our
three visits this June day.
First, its a 30 minute journey through narrow lanes
overlooking idyllic English landscape to Woolstone Mill in neighbouring
Berkshire. This is the home of Mr and Mrs Anthony Spink. One and a half
acres of a very pretty garden indeed. Let the pictures speak for
themselves.
First, there's the opportunity to admire the
beautiful stained glass window in the small church here at Farnborough.
It was the last window designed by John Piper in commemoration of the
Poet Laureate John Betjeman.
Outside, there is a very English landscape being
surveyed here, by a horse with its warm jacket. It is June in England
and it has not been very warm!
So, on to Woolstone Mill. An old mill by a stream...
I particularly liked this little feature: a Roman
Legionnaire's head and helmet just sitting there to give a smile to the
onlooker.
Here is the gorgeous
view towards the house.
We also liked the two 'sheep' guarding the bridge
over the HaHa!
This is the view from the fabulous tree house. One
can just about see the famous White Horse carved into the chalk downs in
the distance.
Jean, Jo and Carol exploring the grounds
(and water) of Woolstone Mill.
