After arriving on Friday afternoon and settling into my room I went out to explore the grounds. View from the front door:
The front lawn is separated from the grazing parkland by the River Lavant. This being May the park was full of ewes and bleating lambs, and the river was in full flow (apparently it dries up at some times of year).
The gardens are tranquil and idyllic.
The river flows through the Spring Gardens and has been 'waterscaped' over weirs and rocks at various places to give the sound of flowing water. The gardens are extensive, with lots of twisting paths and bridges over the river.
Aliums among black tulips in the dry garden:
Awoke early on Saturday morning so decided to go for a 2 mile walk through the parkland and arboretum. A view of the house through the early morning haze:
It was even too early for the sheep to be up and about:
A yellow carpet of cowslips:
Lunchtime on Saturday and time for a visit to the walled kitchen gardens. Fruit trees in blossom:
And the chive flowers beginning to come out:
Saturday evening a late stroll through the long pergola and another trip around the Spring Gardens. No one else around - just me and the birds starting to settle down for the night. And a couple of bats.
And inside ...
Our workroom:
Inspired by Julie's work we were making brooches, 'creatures', flowers, toadstools, and houses.
My 'creature' pinned together in the planning process:
All sewn up and just the face to do. A tip from Julie: use small scraps of fabric or thread to work out where you want the facial features, before committing them in stitch. The smile on her face reflects the happiness I felt in finally finishing her.
Displays of the group's work at the end of the weekend. My brooch, creature, toadstool, and toadstool house:
Flowers and creatures by the workshop participants:
All in all a wonderful weekend and I highly recommend doing a workshop at West Dean at least once in your life.
