Tag: gardens

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Homestead Entrance Archway

A large metal arch dominates the scene, its robust form and rust coloured surface contrasting with the surrounding white house and landscaped gardens.

This was the most unusual thing I photographed during a recent exploration of Bason Botanic Gardens in Whanganui. This is the entrance to the Homestead garden. This is an English style garden around the Bason Homestead which you can see is the white house framed by the archway. The archway is made from corten steel and was completed in 2015 by Isthmus Group. Engraved in the steel is a quote from one of the gardens founders Stanley Bason: “Through the trouble of this world there still runs a thin stream of serenity for those who seek it.” Having visited Whanganui regularly for the last 3 years I’m sad to say that this was my first visit to these gardens. It won’t be my last as there is so much to see. Bason Botanic Gardens are well worth a visit if you are in Whanganui.

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RHS Garden Bridgewater

Opened in May 2021 this is the Royal Horticultural Society’s fifth public gardens. It’s in the village of Worsley in Salford on the grounds of the former Worsley New Hall estate. This square pool is in the middle of the Weston Wall Garden with the Fruit House and Mediterranean House behind. The chimney in the middle is from the old power station that powered the stately home. If you are in Manchester I recommend visiting RHS Bridgewater. It was a wonderful day out.

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Round doorway at Yi Gardens

Round doorway at Yi Gardens

This round door was only about 5 feet tall. With the beautiful plants and rock garden around it I knew I needed to capture it. Doors and doorways make fascinating subjects to photograph. I don’t know what this door leads to and didn’t try and open it as it was not for tourists and I didn’t want to get in trouble. If I get the chance to visit the Yi Gardens again, I’ll be sure to go with a local tour guide. Then ask them if they know what is behind this round door.

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Huxinting Teahouse at Yu Garden

Huxinting Teahouse at Yu Garden

The Huxinting Teahouse is one of the central features of the Yu Gardens in the Old City. To the left is the zigzag Bridge of Nine Turnings. This bridge is one of the most iconic sights in Shanghai. It was impossible to get a clear view of the whole bridge without being higher up. Either from a drone or nearby building, neither of which I had access to. Visiting the gardens was the first thing I did on my first visit to China a few weeks ago. With a 24 hour stopover in the city, I went straight to the gardens early on a Saturday morning. It was very crowded, as expected.