Bodnant Garden with Kate

Since the last time I had seen Kate, she had been everywhere and done everything. So I was glad I could pin her down again for a Sunday. She was still recovering from quite an impressive physical feat, so she didn't want to do anything particularly strenuous. And she suggested Bodnant Garden. That was fine with me; I had never been!

I drove up to her place where I was greeted enthusiastically by Bryn the dog. And a few minutes later we were on our way north.

The bloke who sold us our tickets was very enamoured of Bryn. He wouldn't be the last! And as soon as we came through the entrance we were enamoured with the garden. We were immediately impressed by the stunning autumn colours!

First view of the garden

We had a good walk around. Quite soon we sat on one of the benches to eat some cake, as we were both peckish. Then we walked all the way to the far end (which is actually called the Far End), and then back, taking in most of the particular sights, such as the skating pond, the mausoleum, and the terraces. It is amazing the amount of effort that has gone into this. In a way that shows you how beautiful are garden can be; it also shows you how crazily stupidly rich some Victorian industrialists were. The gardens were bought by one of them in 1874, and his wealth must have been obscene. But at least something good came out of it. Now it entertains lots of people, and undoubtedly provides a fair amount of employment for regional gardeners, and also a variety of other people who sort out the ticket sales, or the website, or things like that.

The skating pond seen from downstream

As stunning as autumn colours get

The mausoleum

The Pin Mill

Triple selfie (pic by Kate)

We had lunch on the bench within amazing view. It was sunny and calm! It was really a perfect day for this. 

There is also a small garden centre associated with it, so although this one is considerably more expensive than the one in Bangor, I figured it would be a good idea to buy a plant I had wanted to buy for a few months, and some plant food, given that I had run out months ago. Supermarkets don't seem to sell that! I don't know why. And the lady who sold it to me immediately fell in love with Bryn. Typical.

On the way back we each bought a pumpkin. On the way out we had seen a little stall by the road selling them. And both of us were interested in the thought of pumpkin soup.

My weekend wasn't very diehard! But it was good. I got two picnics with lovely friends. And a bonus dog! And great views. I am very content with that!