My regular followers are aware that I am a keen gardener and always enjoy have a look round other people’s gardens.  It was raining when I went to visit The Courts Garden but as I had planned in advance and borrowed Paddington’s wellies that was not a problem.  There are a few quite big ponds at The Courts Garden, this one had some very interesting snails living in it so I spent a while watching them.

As I toddled on further around the garden I came across a busy gardener, so I stopped and helped her for a while.After finishing the pruning I continued my wandering and came across some splendid giant rhubarb (gunnera manicata).  Humans think it is big, but it is absolutely enormous to someone as small as me.I paused for a photo at these gates, I wanted to sit on the seat for a while but the rain had made it all wet and I really did not want a soggy bottom.Finally I found a little house where it was dry inside, though the humans with me said there wasn’t time to stop, and I must admit I was starting to feel hungry.The bees were busy making honey, which I do like to eat, but it is wise not to disturb bees.  The sign I am leaning on says ‘Let the bees be’ which is good advice.There were apples in the orchard making me feel even hungrier! A big  black cat came to say hello.  He seemed friendly but was a bit cautious of me.  I don’t think he was used to bears wandering in the orchard.On the way to the tea room I noticed the weird topiary trees that seemed to be on their way somewhere…

Finally lunch, delicious pea soup in The Rose Garden Tearoom  Yum Yum yum.

Horace the Alresford Bear 23.08.16

For more information about The Court Garden see https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/the-courts-garden