Day 3: Trains,,,, No Planes

Still in England ...... My arrival schedule in England was planned around this date for an event that I have long had on my wish list. Somethings, long anticipated fall flat and others work brilliantly, today was a great treat. HRH The Prince of Wales has, since 1980, owned a country estate near Tetbury ---in the Cotswalds ---about 25 miles northwest of Bristol known as Highgove which he has developed into a renowned garden along with orchards and organic farm. This is often seen in products from the Duchy of Cornwall, one of the fundraising arms of the mnay charities that he supports. Today The Prince of Wales Foundation held its annual members tour of the gardens of Highgrove.  www.highgrovegardens.com Take a look at the link as picture taking is forbidden past the entrance road. Security is very high with a police presence, this is the private home of the heir to the British throne.

First let's talk about the weather, this is a garden in the country. I had been warned to bring shoes for mucking about as there has been a very rainy spring. I brought along layers of clothes and alternate walking gear. What a great day, cool not hot and sun breaking through but not beaming... the colors of the garden vibrated against that subtle light cast by blue-grey skies. When asked if I had ordered up the weather I said, of course, when leaving Miami I sent instructions ahead.

Highgrove met all of my expectations. HRH in his own words, sees the mission of Highgrove to be a sustainable example of traditional gardening methods that are wholly organic.  Whatever I expected it was not the privileged opportunity to gaze into Prince Charles's private world, one that he generously lets those, who want to, wander thru its whimsical, humerous landscape, awash in color, texture and a sheer genius of landscape design. This is 'his' place, where he is most clearly 'at home... his idea of a garden. Discover for yourself in the Highgrove website and don't miss the arboretum. Imagine using apple branches trained to grow up the frame work, they are budding and walking under them promises a blanket of fragrance and blossoms shortly.

After.... a lengthy stroll, no speed here. Blue bells, when I was 7 they were up to my knees. Then a cream tea in the restaurant.  warm fresh scones, clotted cream, yellow, raspberry fruit jam, jam and more jam, Huge pots of tea and a Victoria sponge cake layered with jam, sprinkled with sugar and just a bit crunchy on top. Roll your eyes good.  Typically American I ordered everything!

Getting there was the tube to Paddington Station (7 pd day trip) train to Swindon change to Kemple 32 pds reserve seat rnd trp. Local car service from the station that took us cross country thru the wool town of Tetbury and up to Highgrove with a quick stop at the Hare and Hound ,, don't miss this its worth the car rental to stay the night and eat  (www.cotswald-inn-hotels.co.uk)   but I'm back in London because tomorrow WE ARE OFF AGAIN..... check in for more details.