Pond - Whickham Hermitage Community Garden

Another hot and sunny day.  I had intended going into Newcastle to nab a blip shot of water ( the River Tyne ) for the Wide Wednesday challenge but decided against travelling on a hot stuffy bus and walked down to the village instead.

I had remembered that The Hermitage Garden had a pond.  I don't go there very often as its tucked away at the other end of the village well away from all the shops.  I had a lovely wander around it this afternoon.  I was the only person there - although there was a couple of people in the Orangery cafe. So my blip shot shows the pond - the cafe is on the left.  Thanks to BobsBlips for hosting the challenge.

The garden is looking lovely at the moment. I've added a couple of Extras of some other photos I took - some of the statues scattered around the garden and a couple of other views.

Bit of info about The Garden.......The original Hermitage Garden had been unknown to the local community for about 60 years. In 2002 local resident Dave Peacock decided to generate funding  in order to restore the garden to its former glory.  Between 2004 and 2006, the garden was extensively restored, and original features including a lake, boathouse, bridge and a pagoda were retained. The lake was made into a wildlife pond and bog garden. A new wooden watchtower was built and a pergola has been added, paths have been laid, and the garden extensively planted with trees, flowers and shrubs. The cafe was a  later addition.  An accessible vegetable garden with raised beds gives hands on experience to children from local schools and provides the opportunity to learn about cultivation and land preservation.  After years of restorative work the garden was formally opened on 8th September 2006 and is now known as Whickham Hermitage Community Garden – the name reflecting that the garden was created and is maintained by local people, and open for everyone to use.

After leaving the Garden I did some shopping in Herons and Tesco ( collected 3 more parcels ) and then headed home.  Hard going pulling my shopping trolley uphill in the hot weather. 

Steps today - 7,916