Out and About

Our friends Richard and Dawn came to stay last weekend.  It was great to be able spend time with them, as well as show them some of the beauty spots around here.

First stop, Hall Place in Bexleyheath.   The skies were heavy, with clouds laden down with water.   But we set out regardless, with our rain coats and umbrellas.   We stopped and looked at the model gardens, still very green and full of plants.   

A discussion occurred at this point, about the reason for sudden bursts of water from the fountain.   The pattern; a burst of water, followed by no water, and then a gurgling sound, followed by the next burst of water.   It was agreed that the leaves and old plants were obstructing the water in the channel, which then slowed the water entering the pump.    A quick way to wear out a pump.   

 Richard noticed this very pretty tree, with plenty of foliage and tough leaves with serrated edges, from New Zealand, called Horeria Sexstylosa.   Not one I know, but members of my family in New Zealand may be familiar with this one.

 We entered the greenhouses, so dry and warm in there.   A respite from the wet and cold weather.

A colourful display of pumpkins and gourds greeted us.

 I loved this cactus plant.   Ordered, symmetrical, and tidy.   Perfect.

 Bananas ready to eat.

 A bottle brush, native of Australia, in bloom.  Completely the wrong time of year, but no complaints.

 After a cup of coffee in the cafe, we found that it was still raining, and very heavy, but onwards we walked, along the Cray River,

  towards the topiary. 'The Queen's Beasts'.  I am aways fascinated by the topiary at Hall Place.  Must be interesting for the people trimming them.    Lots of corners.   No long straight lines with these 'beasts'.

 Hall Place, in the heavy rain, and our hardy little group, with their umbrellas held resolutely above their heads.

 In the afternoon we visited Down House, Charles Darwin's family home.    Still raining very heavily, but luckily we were inside in the dry and warmth.

The next day we woke to sunshine and blue skies.   What a difference.    A walk in the woods, after breakfast, was a perfect way to spend a sunny, but cold, morning outside.

The sun glinting through the autumn leaves.

 Walter, Richard and Dawn reading the description of the Faesten Dic.

A steady walk uphill before we head back home for our morning coffee.

We really enjoyed our weekend with Richard and Dawn, despite the miserable weather on Saturday.   It all went just too quickly, sadly.   Always the way, when one is having a really good time.