Frinton-on-Sea: sand, sea and sky in August

Beth Chatto Gardens (3)

At the entrance to the gardens stands this splendid old tree.  I’ve no idea what it is but its size is enormous: compare it in scale with the visitors close by.

Escaping everyday pressures

There are many ways of finding your own space, if only for a short time.

 

Beth Chatto Gardens (2)

For meditation

Stay with this image for a while.  Hear the gentle lapping of the water at the sea’s edge.  Feel it  playing around your toes.  Notice the glow of the late afternoon sun on the groynes  –  feel its warmth.  Taste the salt on your lips.  Sense the soothing rhythm of the calm, blue sea.  Relax.

That was my holiday!

 

 

Beth Chatto Gardens (1)

 

One of the joys of our recent summer holiday was a visit to the Beth Chatto Gardens near Colchester, Essex.  The creation of the gardens began in 1960 in a ‘wasteland’ corner of the family’s fruit farm.  It continues to develop today, with 93 year old Beth maintaining an active interest.

A key feature of the gardens is their informal design which makes full use of the undulating landscape and varying soil conditions.  At the centre is an extensive water garden  –  a succession of pools fringed with a wide variety of. trees, shrubs and aquatic plants  There are no straight line or hard paths.  Neatly trimmed grass encourages a casual meander between the flower beds as the fancy takes.  Despite the large number of visitors, they seem to vanish into the surrounding light woodland.

These gardens truly are a haven of peace and serenity.

 

Abstract ‘Let’s all go for a swim!’

Acer ‘Sango Kaku’ in August

Click on the image to enlarge

 

 

Cornfield pattern

Above the tide line

 

 

 

‘Upon this blasted heath ….’

Whilst processing this stark, contrasty image my mind leapt back to my schooldays and I recalled Macbeth’s encounter with the witches on the’blasted heath’ (Act I Sc 3) .  Hence the title of this post!

Abstract 303 ‘Addressing the gathering’

More from the Titchmarsh Marina

 

 

 

 

Titchmarsh Marina, Essex

 

Click the image to enlarge

Eryngium oliverianum