Geoff Hamilton .

So today we decided to visit the enormous expanse of water that is Rutland Water. We had the map from the cottage and noted the six carparks so began at Sykes Lane where the Visitor Centre is located. Being Saturday it was busy with locals and many large gatherings with picnics and games. We sat on one of the benches a while then drove to the Normanton site for a view of the church that now stands as an island, we ith only the upper level above the water. 

There were more groups here, playing cricket and with barbecues in the sunshine. We crossed a stile for a better view then popped into the cafe to grab a coffee before our main destination, Egleton for the nature reserve and birdwatching centre 

Here we hit a snag. Whereas the previous car parks had set price with numberplate recognition and pay-before-leaving, Egleton did not: it required a permit purchased at the visitor centre, by now five miles behind us. Why a permit could not be purchased there we couldn't understand, neither did the two other cars that drove straight out again.

So, change of plan, we went to Barnsdale Gardens, which is known for Geoff Hamilton who presented Gardeners World, the BBC 2 gardening programme, on a Friday evening, from 1983 to 1996. His demonstration gardens are still laid out and many now mature trees were planted by him.

Although the day was hot (29°C) his gardens contained seating as arbours or seats tucked in corners, all providing relief to visitors as well as ideas for a plan. My favourite, collage bottom left, tucked away behind the 'Stream and Bog Garden', totally enclosed in greenery, beautifully shaded and cool.
Collage top right, a bust of Geoff Hamilton by a memorial garden; the two photos I particularly liked.

Shortly before the cafe stopped serving, we had refreshing drinks in the company of an elderly black and white cat, a bit thin and creaky, fur a little matted, claws a little long, but friendly enough to ask to be lifted onto my lap, this negated the earlier disappointment. Apparently she belongs to the garden owner so wanders all the time. Extra photo, 'cause she was so sweet.