Aubergine!

Yesterday was Sian’s birthday and I suggested we go to RHS Rosemoor today and I would buy lunch and cake and a plant for her birthday and also get her in free as I am an RHS member! We left at 10.00 and drove through the rain via Tavistock and okehampton to just outside Great Torrington, arriving at RHS Rosemoor at approximately 12.15.

The weather was kind to us as it did not rain when we were there and there was some sunshine too so it was warm in the sheltered valley. We started off with steak pasties and drinks and then proceeded to see the formal gardens. There were two rose gardens, one of which had already gone over and needed dead heading and the other was beautiful and full of delicious fragrances.

From there we went through the herb garden and the cottage garden then across the meadow to the orchard and fruit and veg gardens! Sian’s favourite section as she has raised beds at home. At Rosemoor they are extensive and they all look very healthy with composted soil as in the main picture with the aubergine!

We he walked back across the meadow to the lake to see the water lilies and hem through the woodland walk. I do love walking through the woods. It really has a calming effect and feels very peaceful.

Before we saw the second rose garden we had seen the cool garden, all shades of white and blue and purple with a water feature. Very stylish!

As we got back from the woodland we sat down for a few minutes on deck chairs and watched a group of children being taken around and learning about bees and insects and pollen. They were flapping their arms and pretending to be bees. They must have been infants I think and the guide was cajoling them. Sian said that when we were in school we were not pandered to but did as we were told. We were mini adults not children!

Having had a little sit down we went to the two main gardens we hadn’t seen, the hot garden which was all shades of red, orange and yellows and vibrant flowers and then to the foliage garden which was shades of green and very calming, extra of sian standing by the wheelbarrow in that garden which was like her grannies.

We then went off for cake and coffee and to the shop where Sian chose a small bush of Italian basil for her present which I bought along with a birthday card which I forgot yesterday!

The other picture is of all the flowers that Sian received at the party on Sunday in addition to the ones for her birthday and put on the dresser in her kitchen!

We had a lovely day out!