Fountain – a gift to the town from local sisters in 1891, and originally positioned on Westal Green in Lansdown. The path around the fountain forms the shape of a four leaf clover to provide good luck and positivity. I was particularly impressed with the planting – lime green Alchemilla mollis softly sways alongside Nepeta while pink Astrantia shares its star like quality with all who pass by. Repeat planting is used to great effect and other herbaceous favourites that caught my eye include geraniums and Scabious, all horticulturally highlighted in the superb setting sunlight. A real hidden gem. This side of the park is also home to the most delicate cornucopia of cornflowers – electric blue, like the most eye-catching of cheer-leaders for the surrounding ball games and play ground.
Nearer to town and on the other side of the road, the elaborate cherub adorned Unwin fountain is surrounded by formal paths and borders packed with more perennials. Lavender, Nepeta and Salvia nemerosa ‘Caradonna’ are blissful in blue while mixing it up a little are the thistles in deep magenta and Helenium in heart-warming orange. A good old-fashioned favourite of mine – Phlox, are also in residence, pretty in pink and nasally delicious.
Carry on through the park, via modern sculpture and the cascade pools alongside giant Gunnera and here you’ll find the
Italian Garden – this is centred around a formal sunken rectangular pool – all straight lines and clipped yew – very different from the billowing mounds of perennials at the other ends of the park. I can remember sitting here with my Grandmother following a shopping trip many years ago, admiring my newly purchased rabbit in a hat toy from ‘House of Holland’ – well worth a park pause after any retail therapy!
The Annecy gardens offer yet more variety to the style of planting on site, for this is a demonstration vegetable garden maintained by volunteers. Although not as picturesque as other parts of the park, this has the charm of community. Crammed full of crops, companion planting is well used, with marigolds partnering tomato plants to keep away aphids – marigold petals also offer a great colourful addition to your salad bowl! Grow Your Own shows no sign of slowing down, RHS Wisley has just opened the brand new ‘World Food Garden’ as interest in edibles goes from strength to strength and the sale of vegetable seeds continues to outstrip flower seeds year after year.
So whether you’re looking for a wistful wander or a plant surrounded picnic, why not take an afternoon to explore Sandford Park – it’s right on your doorstep, you won’t need a ticket and I guarantee you’ll leave with green space gratitude!
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ENTERTAINMENT CAMI L LA BAS S E T T - SMI TH
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