In the 'Rest Garden' where I take Billy for his walks, there is a row of Crypts, above which is a raised 'fly-over' pathway.
I rarely take this little path that is in fact the roof of the row of Crypts underneath, but yesterday morning I was lured by the amazing perfume from the red and yellow Roses that grow beneath the tall, South facing, flint wall. The Red ones were magnificent, but the yellow ones even better.
The path is quite short and contains a couple of benches, for if one is looking for solitude away from all the exercising dogs on the grassy area below.
I suspect that this is its best season. I was quite surprised to see how beautiful it is. Everything that flowers was in flower, and it was stunning. Here (below) you can see the row of pinnacles that feature in the first photo.
The benches do attract a few overnight sleepers, but I haven't seen any for a while. When I was there yesterday, I was totally alone. Lovely.
Billy was never too keen on going up the steps, but he seems fine about it now. I expect he simply preferred to stay on the grass to play with his chums.
The garden is tended by a group of local volunteers. I may offer my services this Autumn.
What a stunning garden to be able to volunteer in. It does indeed look restful and at the same time restorative.
ReplyDeleteIt's lovely to have such a garden nearby. All the dog-walkers are very friendly, and it almost has a club-like atmosphere.
DeleteSo many beautiful and interesting things around you. And you also know how to find them.
ReplyDeleteThis is about 2 mins walk away. We're very fortunate.
DeleteI should have added that The Lord Chamberlin's Man are putting on 'As You Like It' in the St Nicholas Church Rest Garden on May 26, 27, and 28. Open air theatre as you surely like it.
ReplyDeleteA place of solitude, contemplation, history and beauty. To be treasured
ReplyDeleteYes, and it's just a stone's throw away.
DeleteSuch a contrast to the backdrop of Brighton set in the TV Cop series Grace.
ReplyDeleteWe didn't watch it, but my oldest did hear a huge BANG form a bomb they set-off at the end of our road.
DeleteThose roses are lovely. Mine are only just starting to open, very slowly.
ReplyDeleteI went past them again this morning. It was very lightly raining, but they still smelt wonderful.
DeleteOh my goodness, I had forgotten about the crypts. My friends and I used to scare ourselves walking past those! I loved it there and, as it was so near to my parents house, my friends and I visited it often. When you posted some photos of the quite steep 'hills' in the churchyard, I remember we used to get up quite a head of steam doing 'roly polys' down them. Happy memories.
ReplyDeleteIt's a lovely part of Brighton. Nice people, nice houses, and nice atmosphere.
Deleteit has to be one of the best tended grave sites I have ever seen.
ReplyDeleteThat's possibly because it's looked after by a team of locals. They work there every Thursday (I think).
DeleteIt is a splendid graveyard. Having just read River's comment I would say that British graveyards are mostly well cared for by teams of church wardens and helpers so well tended graveyards are the norm.
ReplyDeleteBizarrely, this churchyard is owned by the incumbent Vicar. A strange arrangement that goes back to peculiar times. I don't think he'd dare sell it.
DeleteBeautiful colour. You're so lucky to have this place to walk with Billy.
ReplyDeleteIt's slightly raining this morning, but still charming.
DeleteWill one of the Gothic crypts be the last resting place of Lord and Lady Magnon? Marble effigies will be required. They cost a bomb these days.
ReplyDeleteI've booked a corner of the local tip.
DeleteIt's astonishing how much further ahead your gardens are down there - I still have some narcissi out.
ReplyDeleteIt's been such a mild Winter here, I don't think I've ever known one the same.
DeleteThe cemetery always looks so nice, especially compared to ours that are either neglected or over manicured. So you may be part of a volunteer community group...I need to think about that. Be afraid.
ReplyDeleteYes, it's not over manicured in the 'municipal' style, it's more relaxed and natural.
DeleteBeautiful roses. The scent of yellow roses is perfect. Yellow roses are my favorites. Volunteering to help in the garden sounds very enjoyable.
ReplyDeleteI think what I would prefer to do is just turn-up with my trowel and do some private weeding.
DeleteWow, what a gorgeous place!
ReplyDelete