The Newt

 

I got a chance to visit this impressive new garden in January 2022. As the guest of one of their founding bee keeper, my son in law's father, Joe Bleasdale. This is yet another place that I will have to return to as I feel that there is so much more to it than one visit can cover.

I have formatted the photos smallish.  I think that you should be able to click on the ones you want to see in more detail.  I think it will make a slide show you can scroll thru.

This is a brief overview of what we could see with 2 small ones and an appointment for a formal dinner later in the day. The smalls were running at full tilt to get to all of the things on the scavenger hunt that had been handed to them as we entered the gardens.

This is the walk up from the car park.  

What you can't see is that there are lights along the way, each is tucked into a faux stack of firewood.

Much of the garden is accessible to all wheelchairs.

And do plan for the gate fee.

The entry hall is a high room, almost a brightly lit long house.

The Newt has a subtle theme of apples. Fitting as I was the guest of three generations of apple growers.

Look for a moment at the grate in the floor. It took me a moment to realize Apples!

This is a bit of the official map. There is  a larger map if you like

But as a map nut I think in terms of place.

Enter the courtyard. Everything here is in the honey colored limestone. It is an odd combination of clean ultra modern and 17th century Georgian.  (3)

Over and over in the gardens I find that odd juxtaposition of upscale/modern/tech with traditional/farm/rustic. I am a bit uncomfortable with the first, but deeply wanting the second.

The Newt is on an uplands with stunning views.

We took off to find some of the hunt items into a 'natural' wooded area. 

This little pond was created in a Marl pit, where limestone was dug out to enrich the fields, much like the gravel mins at Butchart Gardens in British Columbia. (23)

In the middle of the pond is a small island.

This feature is a clay style bee hive. This style goes back to Ancient Greece, perhaps earlier.

Joe say that he thinks that this hive is currently unoccupied. But he will check it in the spring.

Into the formal gardens (14)

Created in the former kitchen garden, this is a very formal, shaped garden.

 

One of the aims of this garden is to be a demonstration of espalier techniques.

Each tree has been carefully sculpted, bent, directed to grow just so.

  

The wall around the outside of the garden is lined with apples representing each of the UK counties.

I love this fountain. (17)  It flows down from above, into this playful fountain at the bottom.

I was forbidden to ask what happens because it was January, and certain small folk needed to not be wet and cold.

Observation deck

Bat habitat

Portable fencing.

The Beezantium.

Usually one has to book ahead for a tour in this marvelous bee display.  It really helps to come as a guest of one of their beekeepers.

With the honey colored wood, and the honey comb displays, this really feels like stepping into a beehive. 

Demonstration hive.

Inside of an old woven straw hive.

The honeycomb displays are all interactive.  Lots of things to touch and poke and pull.

As I was an unofficial guest, I ran thru, taking photos, lots of photos.

And look at what was on display on their book shelf, Joe Bleasdale's book!

More paths to wander.

  

My next "port of call" is Arizona, and I can get some practice in the greenhouse/cafe. (11, 12)


 

  

I plan to go back, perhaps even stay in the fancy spa for a night. I would like to experience the place at something slower than a dead run.  And I must see the mushroom house.