Stave Hill Ecological Park and Surrey Gardens

On Wednesday evening, our son arrived from Edinburgh, having finished his final exams, the wrap placed on another school year.  Understandably exhausted from his time spent studying, followed by closing up his apartment, he wanted to simply relax by walking in the park near our hotel:  Stave Hill Ecological Park.

A wild rose in Stave Hill Ecological Park

Since spring has finally arrived here in London, it was yesterday was the perfect day to do just that.  As we strolled, we enjoyed seeing the geese and ducks with their broods of goslings and ducklings, mums with their pushchairs and everyone in a generally good mood.  Skirts suddenly got shorter or didn't exist, shirts were removed -- everyone was trying to expose themselves as much as they could to the sun's rays.

The plants, too, were doing their best to reach for the warmth.  Flowers, leaves and insects are now fully awake and bursting fragrantly at every turn. 

On our return, we stopped at Surrey Docks Farm, a small farm along the Thames, complete with kitchen garden, goats, chickens, ducks, geese, etc.  They sell plants and eggs and have a nice little place to eat, Frizzante Cafe.  Their menu changes daily and all food is cooked fresh on the premises and is quite good.  It's worth a detour for lunch or breakfast - they close at 4:30 PM.

It's a beautiful time to be in London!

Flowers in Stave Hill Ecological Park










Flowers in Stave Hill Ecological Park





Artichokes at Surrey Docks Farm