Melbourne Hall and Gardens.............

We had a nice day out in the village the other day, it began with us being greeted by a young swan on the lake at Melbourne Hall........

We then ventured into the historic gardens, heres the little tower by the garden gate, wouldnt it make a lovely studio !

From there, we strolled along the tree lined path and walled gardens...

We were first met by one of the small circular ponds and cherubic fountain......

There are lots of amazing cherubs dotted about, all up to mischief....

A beautiful Lady too, perhaps she is Helen of Troy .........

The cage, famous aviary from the 16th century has always been my most favourite thing there, and every time I see it, I love it just a little bit more.....

What a feat of artistry and blacksmithery  it truly is, a most gorgeous and splendid thing !

I love the roof especially, it really is a thing of great beauty.

and as we look out from it we can see the enigmatic Melbourne Hall itself...

We even saw Perseus holding aloft Medusa's head ! Eeeek !

The trees and yew tree hedges are interesting too, the tress are often spiraling like this one.

a quick kiss !

and another piece of tall green :)

We also spotted this one single cloud in the sky---its very tempting to give him a face isnt it ;)

There is a series of circular ponds with fountains.....

Here two of my precious little ones sit in one of the ancient sheltered seats, with lovely peely paint.

Oh yes, Mr Finn takes it all in his stride........

Lots of ornate urn type of things, we were not sure whether they were for favourite pets and horses, as some had names like Myrtle, which I especially like :)

I like the naughty looking monkeys that support the base of this .....

Even the worn out faces are the most pleasing........

Dottie -May strolls ahead.....

Beautiful Dottie-May and the wonderous peely paint....

There arent many flowers here, it is an ornamental garden of greenery, but there are a few well packed borders.

I like cosmos, it is a busy plant, lots to do and say.......

There are interesting inlets of water that lead to the main lake in melbourne, but these inlets are laiden with fresh water oysters !!

It was very hard to resist wading in and collecting them !

But I think the cherubs would of sounded the alarm :)

There is also an orginal little fairy grotto, that is very delightful.

And the tiniest orchids I have ever seen in my life, the size of a 5 pence piece or a 5 cent piece .

 We walked beneath the ancient yew tree hedges, what a treat  !

We also smelt the most heavenly scented of roses , scrambling up the walls........

The gardener told me that the billowing yew tree hedges and spiralling trees are only this way, because  when war broke out, the men went to war and everything grew out of control, originally they were straight as a dart.

All in all its a lovely place to visit, so do go if you get the chance, and its free to members of the royal horticultural society, and to visitors to the Melbourne Arts Festival .