Chookyblue's recent visit to town happened to coincide with some local Open Gardens, so in addition to visiting Hatched & Patched, we also gallivanted about gardens together.
There were stunning vistas to enjoy ...
... the gentle & soothing splish spashing of water on a hot day ...
... majestic stands of silver birches to cool ourselves beneath.
And then there were blooms! Fiery red dahlias in the summer sun, wafting about above gorgeous chocolate brown foliage ...
... dahlias of a different form, spiky & showy ...
Oooh, and then there were hydrangeas, a sentimental favourite from my childhood. And in the most delicate and pretty of colours ...
And even the roses looked lovely mid-summer,
apparently untouched by hot winds.
Sweet pots of evening primrose lined stairways ...
as did ruby red penstemon:
There were little retreats for friends only to stop to rest (sign reads 'Friends Welcome, Relatives by Appointment!):
and seats of a different type, perhaps not for sitting these days! Can you see what this little red chair once was? Now that's what I call repurposing!
We saw hardy succulents flowing carelessly from pedestals ...
... and the most amazing use of echeverias for bordering vegetable beds!
And this was one of my more gob-smacking finds: a stunning lilium standing boldly & beautifully upright against a reed fence ... WOW!
And all the while, the sheep next door grazed peacefully & nonchalantly ...
except for this one ...
... who was obviously called upon to be the showman of the mob. "Baaaa-ha-ha ... how I love an audience"!