Flush from my success in scaling the Belle Tout lighthouse walk, I was ready for more adventures. My husband took a day off on Tuesday to take advantage of the glorious weather and we headed to Sheffield Park Gardens, which lie about an hour away.
We also thought it was time to put our National Trust cards to use somewhere other than the Birling Gap car park. I confess my anxiety soared at the prospect of the drive and unfamiliar surroundings, since we haven’t ventured anywhere new since lock-down. But when the only fear is of fear itself, we can only do one thing: face it and manage our discomfort.
Being proper National Trust members, the first thing we did was head to the cafe for lunch (one must ease oneself in gently!) We ate al fresco in a little courtyard and were joined by several adorable dogs and a little robin who perched on the chair opposite mine.
Sadly, for him, there were no scones on offer, but Hermione enjoyed a portion of our baked potato.
A leafy legacy
Sheffield Park is an arboretum on a huge scale. The number of specimens on display is breath-taking and their different colours, heights and branch formations give as varied a show as a well planned flower bed. Scotch pines soared, while the pendulous trees like willows added grace and movement. The rhododendrons had finished flowering, but the azaleas were in full bloom giving a startling splash of colour amidst the palette of green.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
And though this is a garden devoted to trees, there is always colour to be found. Trees flower at different intervals. (Yes, all trees flower, but you may have to look for the blooms, which may also be green). Throughout spring and summer there are splotches of pinks and purples, white and yellow peeking from the leaves. In the autumn, the trees put on their own spectacular display, which rivals a New England fall.
Understory
Tempting though it might be only to look up in such a setting, there is much to be enjoyed at the more humble, ground level.
As this was my first visit in a very long time with walking poles rather than my scooter, I decided that we should take all the obscure routes away from the paved paths. Tripping hazards of tree roots aside, it was well worth the effort. For away from the main pathways were the un-mowed areas filled with woodland delights. One field was liberally scattered with wild orchids. Foxgloves popped up all along our walk with the common, but equally beautiful, buttercups and daisies.
The perfect balance
I love trees. If I had the option, I would live in a forest. The only thing for me that makes woodland even more perfect is the addition of water. At Sheffield, they clearly had the same idea and a series of lakes step down from the top of the park to its bottom end that peters elegantly into farmland.
We arrived just before the waterlily festival, but already the waterlilies were exploding into pale rose and deep fuchsia pinks.
Image: Karen Costello-McFeat
To my delight, I had managed a decent tour of the grounds – the many benches certainly easing my journey. And my anxiety? It began to dissolve at the sight of the first azalea bloom. Trees are good like that.