Englefield gardens

I have been visiting the gardens at Englefield for almost thirty years. They are open on Mondays throughout the year but I usually make my first visit of the year in March or April to see the magnolias. This year I thought I might have missed them but the cold spring has delayed them and many were still looking stunning in May.

The garden has many azaleas and rhododendrons which are also a little later this year. This purple one stood out agains the bright green ferns along the stream.

The fragrant yellow azaleas were just coming into flower.

Away from the formal terraces there are many mature trees.

This more natural part of the garden is my favourite.

There is something reassuring about visiting a place that has changed little over the past few years. High streets and shopping centres have altered beyond recognition, new roads and housing estates (so much building) but through all that these gardens have stayed much the same. There are a few additions, a small area for children, a little stone bench has been placed under the weeping tree that my boys used to hide in, but overall it feels the same.

The gunnera patch is sprouting

and the deer are in the parkland.

A peaceful oasis in a changing world.