A WILTSHIRE WEEKEND

17TH APRIL 2023

My love of horticulture doesn't stop when the clock hits 5pm on a Friday. Gardens and plants are one of the things that brings me utter joy and excitement. So here's my guide to enjoying the 9 to 5 on a weekend in Wiltshire.

NERD WORD : Kingdom: Plantae; Genus: Nerdicus; Common name: Plant nerd.

I started the weekend by meeting a old friend of mine, who's recently come back from a year of instructing scuba diving, sailing and hiking in Thailand, who's originally from Pewsey.

Pewsey is a village located in the county of Wiltshire, England. It is known for its picturesque countryside surroundings and historic buildings such as the St. John the Baptist church.

We caught up over the last year of events over a dinner of mozzarella chicken parmigiana, a bottle of fizz and dark chocolate dipped strawberries. Listening to a mixture of jazz, country and blues, barely leaving the kitchen island over table tennis conversation. The type of conversation that,

Replenishes your soul

no matter the length of time or distance.

Wiltshire countryside is known for its stunning natural landscapes, including rolling hills, meandering rivers, and picturesque villages. It also boasts a rich history with ancient sites such as Stonehenge and Avebury Stone Circle, making it a popular destination for tourists seeking a peaceful and scenic getaway.

Similarly both have a passion for old engines, so we hopped in the car and drove around some of the quaintest villages. Simply to admire the gardens, houses, estates and countryside. Where we came across Oare, Milton Lilbourne, Fyfield, Easton Royal, Wootton Rivers and Great Bedwyn.

The Manor House in Milton Lilbourne was a personal favourite of mine. Perfectly trimmed pleached trees and large yew canopies sheltering pristine topiary. A large main display lawn, surrounded by endless herbaceous borders, magnolia trees and climbing roses.

An English fairytale

The following day we visited Marlborough high street. Marlborough High Street is a charming and historic market town with a range of shops, cafes, and restaurants. It's also home to the famous Marlborough College and the beautiful Marlborough Downs. If you enjoy shopping, dining, history or just strolling around, Marlborough High Street is definitely worth a visit. We met many moons ago interviewing for the opening of a new restaurant. Though this time, simply for a coffee and to find a birthday present, a bouquet of flowers and cake ingredients.

Perfectly timed on Marlborough high street, market day.

Shortly back to the kitchen to prepare a family favourite, Mary Berry's Lemon drizzle Cake. A light and zesty lemon sponge glazed with crunchy lemon drizzle icing, made with simple sugar and lemon juice mixture. After another coffee and sit down the cake was cool enough to decorate with icing, lemon slices and garnishing grated dark chocolate.

And that was our queue to depart ways. My friend, back off to the big smoke, London. And myself simply over to the sweetest yet entertaining country pubs for a family birthday get together.

The George Inn at Vernham Dean.

The George Inn, Vernham Dean, is a beautiful old-fashioned village pub dating back to the seventeenth century situated in the heart of the Test Valley, with historic fireplaces, oak beams, open fires and a large beer garden.

The pub has an excellent reputation among locals for serving delicious, great-quality food. The seasonally changing menu is created using the best locally sourced ingredients, including meat and vegetables from in and around Andover, and seafood from Brixham. The George is particularly well known for its homemade beer-battered fish and chips and Sunday roasts with all the trimmings, together with its fantastic selection of wine and five local real ales. The latest offering is wood-fired pizzas, which are handmade in a retro Citroën van; Welcoming dogs, children and muddy boots.

The following morning I long took a walk the surrounding countryside of Great Bedwyn, a childhood favourite of mine.

Before leaving the family and returning back to Somerset in preparation for a week of house viewings, consultations, a bit of gardening and of course the farm animals.