Tuesday, October 20, 2009

In Search of Autumn Colours – 17 October 2009

The Westonbirt Arboretum is famous for the many beautiful trees in autumn, and with a fine weekend promised, we set off in search of gold.
Malmesbury Malmesbury
On the way we called by Malmesbury, a beautiful stone town, with an Abbey half demolished on Henry VIII's orders. Behind the Abbey is one of the most stunning town gardens we have seen, Abbey House Gardens. The flower beds were just hanging onto some summer colour, but the most impressive feature was their formal gardens. These were clipped to perfection. We met Ian, the owner, to ask permission to include photos on our blog, and he said they are clipped about once a fortnight. This is a must visit garden for anyone who loves formal gardens.
Abbey House GardensAbbey House Gardens
Westonbirt had autumn trails to follow, to see the best autumn foliage. The walks were lovely, but we felt the colours will be better in another week. But the forecasters are threatening a nasty storm this week, with a slow moving low on it's way from Ireland, so there won't be as many leaves next weekend to show off their colours.
Westonbirt ArboretumWestonbirt Arboretum
A circular drive from our hotel in Stonehouse, took as through Frampton-On-Severn at dinner time. This is a wonderful village, built around an enormous green. We had a delicious dinner at the pub at the start of the green, and would definitely recommend the Bell Inn.
Westonbirt Arboretum

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