Last week my family finally decided we'd spent enough time lazing about; after all, I've officially been on holiday since May 31st (ah the student life). So we traipsed to the car and decided to pay an impromptu visit to the Swiss Garden in Shuttleworth. Only a short drive away from most towns in Bedfordshire, we left the garden three hours later wondering why we'd never made the trip before. It was truly wonderful; even the steeliest nature-hater couldn't leave feeling it was a day wasted.
Full of quirky restored fixtures (including the 19th century spying-posts of original owner, Lord Ongley) and unusually brilliant landscaping, the gardens made for a bizarre but brilliant day out (with lots of photographing opportunities, as you'll see). Anyway, here's some photos I took on the day so that you can have a look too.
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Introducing the family - my dad Martin, myself, mum Kerrie & little sister Abigail - sitting in the Indian Kiosk in front of a lovely stained glass piece. There were lots of these lovely colourful windows throughout the garden.
Slate imitation Bible with scriptural passage upon it, within the tiny Chapel. The garden is full of clear references to the owners' faith - Christian crucifix shapes, Bibles, the Chapel and even a pet cemetery. Interestingly, this religious piety contrasts with the garden's other Romantic values - such as modernity, gossip, scandal and exalted appearances.
For instance, the picture below shows the aerial walkway that Lord Ongley was rumoured to have hidden himself upon in order to discreetly listen in on guests' conversation. What a cheeky chap.
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The Swiss Cottage - used today for civil marriage ceremonies. Lots of beautiful roses and foliage as well as a charming natural (and hand-created) decorative ceiling in the outer dome - pictured below.
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Inside the surreal Grotto & Fernery (in which the lovely glass dome pictured in my first blog was photographed). A dazzling labyrinth of stained glass (pictured below), tropical plants and remarkable architecture that instils a tranquil mood in its explorer.
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Some vertical holly - I just couldn't resist adding this photo with the lovely hanging, variegated leaves...
The lake (not technically a part of the Swiss Garden but rather part of the woodland walk, mere minutes away in any case and lovely for a quick walk round).
The Dogs' Cemetery. A slightly later addition to the garden, the tradition was upheld by the children of the Shuttleworth family that took ownership of the land, house and gardens in 1872. An eerie but poignant little place.
The beautiful Japanese maple tree - interestingly caught in the stage just between its summery and autumnal leaves, which you can see in the photo transforming from green to startling red.
Hope you've enjoyed the photos as much as we enjoyed the day.
Maddie
