Flowers Aplenty - Visiting JW Blooms Flower Field, Somerset

One of the things that I love about Instagram is the way that it connects you with things, be it people, places or just inspiration in general. I can’t quite remember how exactly it came about that I started following Jan from JW Blooms or she started following me but it was something along the lines of one of us commented on a post about flowers, then I had a look at Jan’s profile and discovered that she owned a flower field/cut flower nursery in Somerset. 

As ‘visit as many flowery places as possible’ has been on my to-do list for the past couple of years I’m always eager to find new floral delights to explore. I book marked JW Blooms flower field and made a mental note to look up where it was at some point. And then months went by and I completely forgot about it, as often happens in life. Then when one of Jan’s pictures popped up in my field depicting idyllic scenes of pretty blooms is re-sparked my interest. A quick google later and I discovered that the flower field was actually halfway between my Mum and my Sister’s place so now there really was no excuse not to visit. It took a few trips down to see family before the timing and weather conditions all fell in to place but one mid-August day a friend and I went to investigate just what JW Blooms had to offer.

As you drive in through the entrance way and up the driveway to the flower field it feels a little like you’ve gone through a portal into a different land. There’s this sense a serenity and calm right from the moment you arrive. 

 

The site itself is quite small and we managed to walk around, albeit slowing in about forty minutes. Don’t be fooled though, there’s a lot of blooming goodness jammed in there - traditional British flowers, cottage gardens goodies and wildflowers aplenty. We were actually a little late in the season and seeing things just past there prime but there was still plenty to behold along the avenues of flower beds. 

It’s important to note that this is a working flower field and there is evidence of that scattered all about - wheel barrows and buckets, plant pots and hose pipes. But rather than detract from the beauty of the place, it gives it an extra sprinkle of ‘old worldy’ charm. In fact, one of the reasons I love visiting places like these so much is due to that feeling of being transported back in time to when things seemed simpler, even if for just an hour or two.

Now, I need to inject a little note here about the cafe. Honestly, when we first pulled up we were so distracted by the cakes on display that we almost make our way to have a refreshment break before we even began but we dug into those reserves of self control and waited until after we’d wandered around. The cakes are supplied by Dainty Bakes and should you be lucky enough to sample one you’re in for a treat! The cakes using edible flowers from the field were a very nice touch. 

I’m really glad that I finally managed to get around to visiting Jan’s flower field. It’s a charming little place which feels a bit like a well kept secret that I was privileged to experience. I reckon next years garden plans may involve sacrificing one of the raised beds to plant full of cut flowers instead of veggies and I’m sure it will be absolutely worth it!


If you’re thinking of visiting JW Blooms:

Location: Cox's Lane, Hillcommon, Somerset, TA4 1DU

Links and socials: www.jwblooms.co.uk, or Jan is at @jw_blooms on Instagram, go give her a follow

Opening times: The flower field is open to the public from March to October. The cafe is open on Sundays in the summer from 10am-4pm.

Cost: It’s free to visit but it’s worth bringing some pennies for cake and flowers ;-)

A bit more info: Bouquets (and other plants) are available to buy daily and can be made to order for weddings etc. They also run courses throughout the year on things like planning a cutting garden and making a bouquet.

In the area: Hestercombe Gardens is about 20 mins away and definitely worth a visit, it’s one of my favourite places! Both the Quantock Hills (AONB) and Blackdown hills are nearby with plenty of walking routes to enjoy. And if you’re a National Trust Member Barrington Court and Killerton House aren’t too far away either.

 

Spring at Highnam Court

Last summer, in the middle of the crazy heatwave, a friend and I visited Highnam Court. It was open as part of the National Garden Scheme (NGS) and it was another place I’d been meaning to visit for years and had finally gotten around too. Highnam Court is just off of the ever so busy A40 between Gloucester and the Forest of Dean. As that stretch of road is part of my commute to work I’d passed the entrance to Highnam Court many, many times but there is no way from the little you get to see from the road that I’d ever had imagined what was beyond those entrance gates.

Within the grounds of Highnam Court are a mecca of lakes, gardens, one stunning stately home (along with some other beautiful buildings dotted about) a church and oodles of ground to explore. I was blown away by just how much I’d been passing by on every drive to work and never knew was there.

This beautiful place is only open a couple of days each year, dotted throughout the seasons as part of the NGS, so when I’d passed the sign out front saying it was open that coming weekend I decided it would be great to see what it looked like in the Spring time too. I love doing that, visiting a place in all of the different seasons to see if at different stages. I had to bare in mind though that I’d seen it at the height of the summer in all of its glory and to set my expectations accordingly.

This time around we started off with a stroll around the two large lakes right at the front of the property close to the road. It all looked so different. Even though everything was starting to wake up there was still a lot of open space where so much greenery had been the last visit and it made for a very different view. The lakes themselves were very different too without all of the lilies and irises. **

Something I’d forgotten about Highnam Court was how throughout the whole place you can find wooden statues of animals. Many have been carved out of dead trees, some have just been placed in prime positions, some have even been carved into trees that are perfectly find and living (which I was a little concerned about the impact on the health of the tree, I know, I’m a nerd about big ol’ trees). There are great big bears, tiny little kingfishers and everything in between. Kids must love coming across them on their wanderings.

We made our way up from the lakes to the rose gardens that sit out of the front of the house. Now, these aren’t just any rose gardens, they are vast immaculately laid out hedged beds in an intricate pattern**. And of course, they were empty seeing as it was far too early for roses but it was still fun to wander about between all of the borders.

From there we continued on to what I’m guessing was the “tropical” garden. Suddenly we found ourselves amongst tall palm trees, large-leaved plants and exotic looking flowers. It seemed so strange to go from a quintessential rose garden to a tropical paradise but it wasn’t bad in anyway. Just different. This garden actually leads on to another lake and a very special part of the grounds. You see, this next part is known as the Monet Garden. Yep, you’ve probably guessed it, the owners have recreated that iconic Monet painting the Waterlilies and have done a slimming marvellous job of it. I have to say, it is completely inconspicuous and something that you wouldn’t pay attention to at all at this time of year but in the summertime it is a spectacle indeed. I’ll be going back this summer just to see that again.

An Indian Palace in the Middle of the Cotswolds - Sezincote

When searching for pretty gardens to go and visit, Sezincote had come up many times but due to it’s slightly awkward opening hours (it’s only open Thursdays and bank holiday Mondays, and once a year for the National Open Gardens scheme) I had never managed to make it there. I’d driven past the sign a few times whilst heading to other places like Batsford Arboretum and had been intrigued by the long driveway. And I’d seen pictures online and vaguely knew that it was a ‘palace’ but still I was not in the slightest bit prepared for the spectacle we found.

It was a Sunday in July and it was the most beautiful day, one of those magic days. Clear blue skies, fluffy white clouds and just this feeling of serenity and peace in the air. I always love the drive into the Cotswolds, something about it feels like you’re going on holiday, even if just for the day. We arrived at Sezincote in the early afternoon and followed the signs down a very long, meandering driveway to the field for car-parking. From the moment we pulled up I was excited. It felt that we had driven into some secret, hidden land.

We made our way to the entrance where some very friendly and cheery people were ready to welcome us. Although there were a good number of people there it didn’t feel too crowded.

As we walked down the main path suddenly up ahead in front of us the house came into view and boy was it a sight to behold. Now, I’m not usually one for big, ol’ houses, I usually just go to places like this to ogle over the grounds and gardens but boy did this make me stop a beat to take in the scene before me. Sezincote you see, is an Indian Palace. I mean I knew this, it’s part of the reason I wanted to visit, but until you see it I don’t think you quite grasp this. I really felt like I was in some kind of other world. How was there an Indian Palace in the middle of the Cotswolds?

The house itself is huge but not in the slightest bit intimidating looking. It’s sandy gold colour and turquoise turrets create the most wonderful sense of grander. It’s the perfect coupling of traditional cotswold stone and the flamboyant extravagance of Indian architecture. Then as you come up to the front of the house you are greeted by a most magnificent scene. Pinnacles of hedging expertly trimmed to create these conical lances. They stand like soldiers on immaculately manicured lawns (complete with stripes) and are bordered by a huge arching glass house. And then there are the elephants. Yes, you read that correctly, elephants. Ok, so not actual real live elephants but beautiful statues.

After picking our taking in the house from every angle and of course, saying hello to the elephants, we headed off on a little amble around the grounds. We made our way up to the part of the grounds directly in front of the house, up a small hill where we found a mass of wildflower meadows and stunning views. We sat for a little while under a silver birch, watching all of the tourists ooo and ahhh over the prettiness of the scenes around them.

Then we made our way down to the lower levels. Within the confines of Seizoncote there are quite a few water features to behold. There is a stream and various ponds, pools and wells. All of these create so much character and feature to go and explore. The grounds are by no means small but they give so much to look at that it’s easy to while away a few hours. Dotted around as with so many of these big estates, were little buildings and statues.

After having a good explore we made our way back to the house and decided it was time for a cream tea. How could we not? On our way back to the house we happened upon some grand old cedar trees from which someone had very brilliantly hung some swings. And well, it would have been rude not to wouldn’t it?

We made our way down through the extensive glass house which was filled with citrus fruit trees and money plants galore to the spot where cakes were to be found. We ordered our refreshments and then headed back outside to find a spot on the now very busy lawns to sit down and enjoy them. It was such a lovely moment. We were full of awe and enthusiasm talking about everything we had just seen but more than that, it was how the whole place felt. Magical. Almost like a fairytale, something secret, something that shouldn’t even be there but it was. We ate our sugary treats and watched the folks around us enjoying themselves as much as us and boy we did not want to leave.

I really can’t convey in a single blog post just how spectacular Sezincote is. Go to see it! Go and discover it all for yourself

Back to Broadway

Last year, in the run up the Christmas a friend and I decided to take a trip to the pretty little town of Broadway in the Cotswolds (see post here). For me Christmas shopping is much more enjoyable done wandering around cute little independent shops in a smaller rural town than dealing with the hectic high streets of the city. I like charm and oodles of it, which is exactly what Broadway had given us so we decided to head right on back there again this Christmas. Here are a few snaps from our trip which of course wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the Instagram infamous Broadway Deli to pick up a Portuguese tart!

As the Trees Change - Batsford Arboretum

It had been a while since I’d headed off on a mini adventure. With the end of summer also came the end of weekly trips to explore pretty places. Something about the autumn season had sent me into hibernation mode and there had been a distinct lack of going out to places. But that’s ok. There are seasons for a reason and sometimes it’s good to just let yourself slow down and recoup especially after a long, busy summer.

The changing of the leaves into a blaze of colour had come late where I live. Autumn had in fact been very kind to us and there had been plenty more balmy days full of warmth and sunshine with just the few odd days of rain here and there. So when the change did finally come I was eager to go somewhere to see it in all of its glory and where better than an arboretum? 

I’ve been to Batsford Arboretum a good number of times now and tend to prefer it over Westonbirt Arboretum which is always so busy at this time of year. Batsford has a certain charm about it and its location only adds to its appeal. Nestled into the Cotswolds just a stone’s throw from Stow-on-the-Wold and Moreton-in-Marsh it’s in a prime spot.

The Arboretum itself is utterly charming. There is a superb collection of trees placed along meandering pathways and just to top it off there’s a spectacular looking manor house at its centre. The whole place is encompassed in stunning vistas at each of its edges.

Sadly, with the high winds the few days previously many of the leaves had been blown to the ground so the show wasn’t quite as grand as I was hoping but there was still a fantastic array of colour to behold. The weather was quite pleasant and as little snippets of sunshine made it’s way through the canopies we were blessed with that magical golden light that only Autumn brings. 

We wandered slowly through the trees, savouring the sights around us and enjoying the peacefulness of this place. I hadn’t realised just how much I’d been missing getting out and taking photos and I needed this trip. It reinvigorated my spirit with a fresh injection of inspiration and good old fashioned time spent in nature and lungfuls of fresh air.

To the Slaughter(s) - Upper & Lower Slaughter, The Cotswolds

As September rolls around, a sudden sense of urgency starts to set in. The days start to shorten, the lights takes on a golden hue and the mornings have a little bit of a bite to them. All signs that Autumn is on the way. This year, I am going into Autumn kicking and screaming. I have enjoyed the long, light summer nights oh so very much and the thought of having to stay in each night fills me with such a feeling of loss and longing. So, this time of year I suddenly want to make the most of every little glimpse of daylight, good weather and warmth that we have. 

It was a Bank Holiday Monday and actually not the best of weather compared to the gloriousness that we’d been previously blessed with the in weeks before. It was overcast and a little cooler but still dry and there was no excuse to waste it whiling away in doors so I coerced my ever so well tempered house mate into going for a little foray into the Cotswolds.

 
First stop was a to Whittington to visit a garden which was open as part of the National Open Gardens scheme (more about that in another post) but after we’d had our fill of flowers and cake it seemed a little early to be heading home so we decided to head over to The Slaughters. I had spotted photos of the Slaughters on @mrchrisspeed’s feed and something about them really spoke to me. I’d been to visit them once over ten years ago and couldn’t really remember what they were like and after seeing these photos was desperate to see them again.

Driving through the Cotswolds is enough of a treat in itself sometimes. We pulled the car over a couple of times to take snaps and enjoy the view. We even made a little detour through Guiting Power just because it sounded quaint and pretty and indeed it was. 

 
We started with Upper Slaughter, the smaller of the two villages first. We were a little worried about parking. Being a Bank Holiday Monday we were expecting to have to scour and fight for a parking spot as a little googling had revealed that there weren’t any car parks but we must have gotten lucky because it was surprisingly quiet and we found a space no problem. 

With camera in hand (well, actually cameras plural this time because I was testing out a little compact) we had a little wander. The little spot where the water flows through the village is a beautiful scene to behold and felt wonderfully peaceful too. I enjoyed watching some children in wellies splash about. The water was low enough at this time of year (and after a very dry spell) for cars to drive through like a ford so we had to move out of the way to accommodate those passing through.

I’m just going to take a minute here to address the names of these little villages - Slaughter. It doesn’t exactly conjure up images of picturesque pretty places does it? Well it turns out that Slaughter in its time was just another word for Slough that means “on the water” and seeing as how both Upper and Lower Slaughter are indeed on the water this makes a great deal more sense. I was relieved to find that they weren’t named due to some mass slaughtering or the such. Phew! Upper Slaughter is also above Lower Slaughter geographically, so again this seems most sensical. 

I’m not entirely sure what I was expecting but Upper Slaughter seemed much smaller and sleepier than I thought it would be. There was a good collection of houses and a church right in the centre but I couldn’t help but feel a little disappointed. No matter, onto Lower Slaughter to see what that had in store for us.

Now Lower Slaughter was a whole different ball game. As we entered into the village we were greeted with crowds and music and bunting everywhere. There was a party going on and Lower Slaughter was definitely the place to be. This little place was welcoming the tourists with welcome arms and clearly celebrating the long weekend.

Again we got super lucky with parking and managed to get a spot right on the main road through the village. We got out of the car and were immediately caught up in the festivities going on. There were so many more people here and so much happening - music and marquees, stalls and celebrations. We made our way along the water taking in the atmosphere and the crazy pretty scenes as we went. Despite the chillier temperatures people were playing in the water here too. 

We followed the water up and around a corner to reveal a quaint little mill nestled at the end of the village. I was one of many people who had stopped to snap a photo of this spot. Up past the mill we found a little gathering of shops and a pub where we stopped to peruse the goodies and giftware. No tourist spot is complete without mugs and fridge magnets showcasing the local venue.

It was getting quite late in the afternoon by this point and sadly much of the festivities were ending and people were packing everything down but it was still lovely just to wander about and take in the happy feeling all around.

One of the things that I love the most about summer is how people are just so ready to celebrate the littlest of things. We English make cake and hang bunting and there’s just so much simplicity and merriment in that. I say, may these needless but wonderful traditions continue forever more. 

  

A few things to think about if you’re planning a visit to The Slaughters: 

Location: Upper Slaughter & Lower Slaughter, The Cotswolds, Gloucestershire

Parking: Beware of the lack of places to park. We got very lucky and managed to find a spot in both places. If it’s likely to be a busy day (say Saturday in the summer holidays) then it would be worth going very early in the morning or later towards the evening to avoid disappointment.

In the Area: It’s worth making a day of it and visiting some of the other wonderful places in the area too. Bourton-on-the-Water and Stow-on-the-Wold are just minutes down the road and well worth a visit. In fact, it’s suggested on Trip Advisor that you can park at Bourton and walk over to Lower Slaughter so if you are unable to park that could be a good back up plan. They are very close to Batsford Arboretum and Sezincote House too.