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Carpet of Pink Purslane. A few days ago my dog Maddy and I visited the grounds of a National Trust property on the outskirts of Edinburgh. The estate is open to the public 24/7 and it's one of our favourite places. Much of the area shown in these photos was once magnificent 18th century water gardens set in an idealized sylvan landscape,featuring cascades,bridges,tunnels,a Tea House,Shell Grotto and Nymphaeum. |
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Pink Purslane |
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Path into the woods |
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Woodland canopy |
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The air is filled with the sound of birdsong,chaffinch,song thrush,blackbird,crow,wood pigeon and many more......................... |
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This Lime/Linden tree conceals a jackdaw's nest. |
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The Shell Grotto was built in the 1760s using shells from local beaches and as far afield as China. Grottos were secluded places designed to evoke reflection on the cycles of nature. Remains of a Nymphaeum (Nymph's Temple) have been found close by.The statue of a nymph would have been placed here to attract woodland spirits. |
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The shells have long gone but the wall looks very interesting without them. |
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I recently bought this Indian wall hanging and love the way the central piece,an upside down bodice yoke,resembles a meditation hut.I think the building and the cloth complement each other well ! |
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Detail |
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Detail |
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The burn which was once a vital part of the water garden still gurgles past behind the Grotto. |
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Our walk continues,Maddy leads the way ....................... |
