واتفورد الزهور

It may well be Watford’s best kept secret! Cheslyn House & Gardens was such a surprise that I can only call it a hidden gem from when we went last week. I love the formal, open area with the flowers. The pond with the colourful carp swimming about and the dragon flies hovering over the surface of the water is so peaceful!
My husband prefers the woodland area because it is more informal, almost wild. Some might think some was a bit overgrown but I really enjoyed the relaxed look of some of the flowers and bushes. The wildlife and flowers like forget-me-nots and bluebells, the shrubs and trees were all just a sight to see.
I’m told that throughout the year the different plants come and go, so it is a different experience every month or so. They have planned the gardens themselves so that there is always something to catch your eye. I don’t know the names of many plants so it was nice to see them labelled. I learned a lot!
We walked a bit and then sat a bit. We enjoyed a quiet, slow stroll in the morning light. The small hidden away areas made for a nice romantic sit down several times along the way. The paths are quite natural, even some had roots from the trees popping up, which made for a reason to watch carefully.
Our picnic on the lawn in the more open area was a delight. We sat in the shade and had a lovely tea. The Japanese maple tree was gorgeous, and the giant redwood was imposing.
After we ate we spent time checking out the birds in the aviary. Lots of varieties of chirpy small birds, plus finches and quail and budgerigars.
Since the entrance is free, my plan is to go alone next time and take my book. I will sit and read with a flask of my favourite tea and bask in the natural wonder all afternoon.