British Red Cross Great Spring Gardening Event, 2011.

Yesterday the Senior Partner and I joined many other keen gardeners at the British Red Cross Great Spring Gardening Event which this year was held in the grounds of Hampton Court Castle, Herefordshire.

To reach the showgrounds the pathway led us past the newly restored Victorian walled kitchen garden and through a tunnel of overhanging wisteria reputed to be over one hundred and fifty years old.

Mr B couldn't resist buying fresh green asparagus and strawberries, both locally grown, we passed on the fruit juices though.

There were many specialist plant nurseries represented, about eighty craft and gift stalls in the grounds and tents.

We enjoyed looking at the varied displays created by several garden designers, "posh shed" builders, potters and wood workers to name just a few.

Several times we were gently accosted by small children from Burghill Primary School, all eager to tell us how they have been working with the British Red Cross and learning lots of different skills. Other activities they had taken part in were Bag Packing at a local supermarket; a sponsored walk; resilience training and creating a refugee camp.

They told us that they "had a fantastic time talking to some people in Ohio (in America!), where we taught some children facts about the British Red Cross".

The Orangery cafe looked beautiful but the lunch menu was a little too much and a little too late for us so we opted for a sandwich and a cuppa in one of the refreshment tents.

We also took the opportunity to tour the Castle but that's another story..........................

I hope that you have enjoyed your virtual visit to Hampton Court Castle Gardens and will come back again for a fascinating look inside.
Walking back to the car we couldn't resist taking more shots of the kitchen garden and it's glasshouses.

Linking this post to The Tablescapers Seasonal Sunday where bloggers gather each week to share seasonal activities happening in their corner of the globe.

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Enjoying Herefordshire.

Whilst Mr Ben and Miss Fleur are being totally spoiled and cosseted at home by Aunty June, Mr B and I are spending two weeks here in the UK exploring the beautiful county of Herefordshire, famous for its Historic Black and White villages.
Shepherds Rest at Hill Farm a small, cosy cottage for two, high on a hill in the village of Much Marcle situated close to the market town of Ledbury, is our base this week.

We are surrounded by wide open fields, it's like being at home but with sheep not cows, it is a working farm after all.
All around are apple orchards and the village is home to Westons Cider established in 1880 and still making cider the traditional way.

Market House, Ledbury.

Today we went shopping in Ledbury where I took this photo of the 17th century black & white Market House in the centre of town.
Originally it was the towns grain store and it is still used for council meetings.
It was completed in 1653 by John Abel, the "Kings Carpenter".

Tomorrow we're off to visit Hampton Court Castle and Gardens for the British Red Cross Great Spring Gardening Event, stay tuned for pix!