Sunday, July 05, 2015
Mark and Gaz
So we needed to add a few more goldfish on the raised pond by the bottom patio to give it a bit more impact. The resident goldfish there, although very healthy and seemingly amorous enough, don't seem to procreate successfully. More likely any eggs produced are promptly eaten or filtered away...
On our way to a nearby garden centre we took an impromptu diversion towards Wrest Park, an English Heritage property near us.
 |
| An artichoke patch greeted us. Mmmmm, one of my favourite veggies! |
The grounds are not 'exotic' but sometimes you need a break from exotica style to keep oneself refreshed and inspired to do more exotica...
 |
| Nice colour scheme! |
 |
| Okay, we're supposed to take a break from exotica but we couldn't help it! |
 |
| Although most of what they have in it, we grow permanently outside... |
 |
| Neptune and a fish, although we are after those with a slightly more active personality. |
 |
| Fish in the pond, a reminder why went out in the first place. Time to go! |
Having had our quick fix and a soak in the sun, we went on to buy some more new pets!
And then they were released!
Voila! Little red pets, welcome to Alternative Eden!
Mark :-)
This gardening blog follows our journey as we create our Tropical and Exotic themed garden. We hope you'll enjoy the journey as much as we do. We started our Exotic Garden in 2005 and this site will show its development, as well as our travels, both abroad and within the UK to gardens, nurseries and friends.
Dear Mark, how I envy you that you can just "stop by" this amazing English manor houses on your way to buy some more goldfish. I have never heard about Wrest Park so far, but the house is absolutely gorgeous. I also like the formal plantings and as you said they have a nice color scheme. The orangery, oh my gosh, that space is just wonderful!
ReplyDeleteGlad you got your goldfish and hope that they are settling in well in your pond!
Warm regards,
Christina
Thanks Christina! They're setting in well it seems :) Wrest Park is part of English Heritage and their properties tend be lesser known as compared to the more popular National Trust group. Next time you're in England well worth exploring English Heritage selection.
DeleteThe view from the house must be impressive. It's fun to visit all sorts of gardens with formally arranged styles the most interesting since they are so very different from my own.
ReplyDeleteThe fish add a a bright spot in the pond that picks up the red of your arbor gate.
Very impressive Shirley, the grounds are beautiful and so well maintained :)
DeleteWhat a unique feature to have in the neighborhood, but I'm with you. There is something inherently magical about big, bold leaves. :)
ReplyDeleteNothing beats the big leafed stuff Anna (ok spikies close second) :)
DeleteHow cool is it that you guys have such a fabulous old estate to divert your attention, ever so briefly, from your fish finding mission. My English MIL once took me to lunch somewhere similar, a big old manor house with a conservatory that had been turned into a restaurant, and I didn't appreciate it anywhere near as much as I should have.
ReplyDeleteSome period properties and stately homes are better than others Alison, with lots of interesting to see even if in general what they have is not the style one is in to :)
DeleteLucky new fishies!
ReplyDeleteI think they are Loree :)
DeleteYes, welcome little fishies....so fun when you release them from their bubble baggies. What an amazing place to just "stop by on the way to buy some fishies"....wow. Thanks for sharing!
ReplyDeleteJust lucky to have this place nearby Tamara but apart from it the others are a considerable distance already :)
DeleteI feel bad for all the little fishies that didn't go home with you.
ReplyDeleteThat's sweet Ricki :) hope they ones left behind will find good homes too!
DeleteYour side visit is another sign of the difference between your "neighborhood" and mine! As to the fish, I'd love to have some of those but I imagine that my raccoons would make them disappear overnight.
ReplyDeleteAnd we love your neighbourhood Kris, especially your stunning views :)
DeleteThey couldn't ask for a nicer home!
ReplyDeleteThey will be well pampered fish Amy :)
DeleteWhen I read the first sentence or two and looked at the first photo, I thought that your goldfish stores don't look anything like our goldfish stores.
ReplyDeleteI like their exotics in the conservatory much more than the outdoor display.
Those are lucky fish, to get to live in a well-tended, healthy pond.
Same here Gail. We're actually a little bit surprised how small their glasshouse is compared to the size of the house and estate, as similar properties tend to have larger glasshouses full of exotics.
DeleteOhh, the fish are cute :). And I´m grateful you couldn't resist showing the exotic plants even in a non exotic plants post...
ReplyDeleteDifficult to resist Lisa!
DeleteFun new additions to your family! What a joy to have this cool estate garden so close to home!
ReplyDelete