Out and about…

LOL!  I couldn’t exclude this photo! 

Once a fortnight, I spend some time with William and Nich, his dad ( my son). This usually involves a trip out, including coffee, and, of course…cake! Yesterday, was one of those days! 

One of our favourite places is Buckfast Abbey and that is where we decided to go.

I love a trip here as it’s like entering another world; it’s so peaceful, calming and good for the soul! 

As well as a lovely cafe, there are delightful grounds, interesting displays, the beautiful abbey, a gift shop and plenty of space and they’ve  now included a plant centre…we obviously made a beeline for this!

Below is a man on a mission..he loves his gardening! 

And William looked on, enjoying the sunshine.

One plant that we did spot was this one below…Wormwood. Neither of us has ever grown this and we know little about the plant! Apparently, Wormwood is a bitter herb and is known for its use in Absinthe. It’s most notable plant compound is Thurjone, which has some benefits but can be toxic in excess.

Has anyone ever grown it? 

That done, we journeyed home to Nich’s, and after William’s lunch and another drink, I had a guided tour of the their garden.

 

This lovely old tin bath, which you can barely see, is overflowing with herbs: Thyme, Oregano, Chives, Sage and Rosemary.

One of the stars of the show, right now, is the Clematis…

Clematis Montana at its best!

Erysimum Bowles Mauve, is also very much making its presence;  a very reliable plant that flowers forever!

There is also this stunning Acer, above, and the combination of colours is stunning! Below is a glorious Hellebore ‘Merlot’.

Nich has also recently put in a couple of small ponds.

And Mr Badger looks on ..he was a gift from us a few years ago!

Which brings us to today! My favourite day!

Last week, William said that he’d like to do ‘Cake art’…(well what a surprise!)

But before we embarked on that, there was something else that I had in mind. Easter baskets. As we have been invited to have lunch with William, on Sunday, I thought it would be nice for William to make something to give to his mummy and daddy.

And so…we’ve made these and we are going to pop in a chocolate treat!

William has been asked not to ‘spill the beans’ but whether he can keep it quiet, is another matter! I’ll take them along on Sunday for him to say a ‘Happy Easter’ to two lovely people who always give William such a fun life!

After this, we did some ‘cake art’, I let him use my magic pens…and he was fascinated