PICTURES FROM GROOMBRIDGE

 May 21st, 2009,  a fine, sunny Spring day, our U3A Garden Group visited Groombridge Palace Gardens & Enchanted Forest situated near Tunbridge Wells on the Kent and Sussex border. On  arrival we were welcomed by the peacocks, residents at Groombridge for many years, strutting proudly displaying their magnificent plummage.  The Garden Restaurant, provided a welcome cup of coffee together with a picnic site where one could sit and enjoy the lovely sunshine.

The 17th century formal gardens are laid out as rooms to the house still surrounded by the moat. Identifying each by name, the Secret Garden was located through a door in the moat wall. The Knot Garden, so called because of its mathematical design, The Chessboard, a games room, The White Rose Garden, with many varieties of white blooming plants and roses, The Drunken Garden with yew trees taking on the vogue of drunken men, and The Oriental Garden featuring many lovely Acer trees. A Conan Doyle Museum, located near to the car park, houses memorabilia of his work, Groombridge being used as a setting for many of his books.

A steep climb into the Enchanted Forest provided fine views over the Sussex Downs. Within the forest  a hive of fun activities for the children with swings and Dinosaurs. Seats in the form of bones were unique. For the adults, the Fern Valley, with delightful pool containing several varieties of fish  provided a tropical feel to the area, and a canal cruise on the moat a more restful trip to the  forest on so sunny a day.

While the shop was small I was very impressed with the Chilstone garden statues and benches on display outside. After a welcome cup of tea we were treated to half an hour display of the Birds of Prey, which we all enjoyed immensely.

Pictures: – Sun through Acer trees, Oriental Garden - House & Moat - Canal Cruise -Chess Garden  –Knot Garden.

Kate Harrison June 9th 2009