Yesterday felt like summer. It was also ‘open garden’ day at The Hurst, near Clun, a place English-speaking writers, seasoned and aspiring, will know well since it is one of the four ‘homes’ of Arvon, the charity that fosters creative writing through its residential courses, festivals and retreats.
But before Arvon arrived at The Hurst, the other key writerly connection is that it was, until his death, the home of playwright John Osborne (1929-1994). He and his fourth wife, journalist, Helen Dawson, are both buried in the tranquil graveyard of Clun parish church. (See earlier post In the footsteps of the Green Man for photos).
Clun is only a short drive from Bishops Castle – an easy afternoon out then. Others thought so too, and it was pleasing to see how many had come along for homemade cakes and tea, garden rambles and to support the Shropshire Historic Churches Trust, a charity whose grants for repairs and preservation “help keep buildings open not only for worship and community use but also as quiet places for prayer and reflection.”
The Hurst sits on a hillside, forest all around, and with grounds that are more arboretum than formal garden. Long grassy avenues lead you on between azalea and rhododendron borders, while overtopping all, are magnificent, mature trees. Please feel free to wander and enjoy the sun-dappled paths.
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All the lush greenery wafted over us like a tonic. And the mossy lovers above the bank of Dicentra ‘Love Hearts’ raised a smile.
#SquaresRenew Becky’s May challenge: a daily square format header photo featuring themes of renewal, moving forward, reconstruction and burgeoning.
Can’t beat a good burgeon, Tish! A lovely and well deserved afternoon.
It was certainly all go on floriferous front. Thought of you when we were eating cake 🙂
Would have been nice to share a morsel.
That might have saved Graham from scoffing a very large piece of squidgy chocolate cake – if he’d had to share 🙂
🤭🩵
Your wonderful photos really show up the place. No doubt a perfect afternoon.
It was a perfect afternoon, Beverly. A very English afternoon 🙂
Always lovely to wander in a shady garden when it’s hot.
It truly was perfect, Jude.
Especially when there is cake.
The cakes were delicious too.
I could spend a lot of time there, too, Tish. I was wondering today how many bloggers have added “burgeoning” to their vocabulary, either reading or verbal. 🙂 It’s a word that sounds to me like what it means. Four wives?? Sounds as thought he were better with words than relationships.
J. O. better with words – yes, I think that could well be said, Janet. A raffish character, methinks.
And yes, burgeoning surely does live up to the sound of it.
well this is rather marvellous isn’t it – what a beautiful and reflective place and cake too – creative thoughts would certainly flourish here
It has a very good reputation for nurturing. Resident course members get to cook up the produce of the walled garden for their suppers too.
how fab is that
Just beautiful Tish!
Many thanks, Anne.
😊
That looks a lovely garden to visit – the rhododendrons and azaleas are beautiful!
It was a splendid show, and delicious shady azalea scents.
Absolutely gorgeous green stuff. 🙂
It does lift the spirits – the green stuff 🙂
Gorgeous!
Thanks, Jennie.
You’re welcome, Tish.