After lunch, and pending Tigger’s return from the City, I decided to go for a walk. After all, the sun was shining, an opportunity not to be missed at this time of year. I made for Culpeper Park and, more particularly, that corner of it that has been made into a community garden.

Paths and greenery

As soon as you enter, you see how green and fresh an environment it provides. There is a profusion of plants, shrubs and trees, all verdant and healthy. Narrow, winding paths lead among the cultivated plots, tempting you to follow them.

Tree seat

Near the entrance is a tree with a seat set round it. If you are feeling tired or lazy, you can sit and enjoy the garden from here but I preferred to continue on.

The pond

There is a pond in the shade of trees and bushes. At the moment it sports a layer of duck weed but in spring and summer it comes alive with frogs and aquatic insects. There is a warning notice because it is deceptively deep.

Follow the path

The low sun of autumn causes alternating sunlit and shady areas. Different parts of the garden catch the sun, or fall into shadow, at different times in the day. All the paths, sunlit or shady, invite you to follow them.

So many different kinds of plants

A list of all the species of plants would be a very long one. Away from the paths, they crowd together, in apparent harmony, as though offering themselves to be admired and photographed.

There are flowers still

Though the colour theme at this time of year is predominantly in the green shades, there are still a few flowers about, showing boldly here and there.

Bold red among the green

Perhaps because there are now relatively few flowers, they seemed all the more dramatic and beautiful, demanding attention and admiration.

Red is my favourite colour

Whether red flowers really were the most numerous or whether, because red is my favourite colour, I tended to notice them preferentially, I do not know. Either way, they were beautiful and made a fine show.

Where does it lead?

Because the paths are narrow and winding, you cannot see where they lead and that, of course, is part of their charm. Most lead eventually into other paths so you rarely come to a halt and need to retrace your steps.

A shady corner for a rest

One path led to a shady place with a couple of benches. In hot weather, this must be a pleasant corner in which to rest from the heat. Today, I preferred to be in the sunshine!

Trellis walk

This walkway is lined on either side with plots cultivated by individual community members so that they are all different according to the inspiration of their gardeners.

A view of some of the plots

A general view like the above may seem chaotic but each plot adds something to the environment and there is nothing boring about the result!

A seat for one!

As I began to slowly wind my way back I came upon a seat for one, perfectly situated in the grassy area in the warmth of the sun. I required no further invitation!

View from my seat

I sat for quite a while, absorbing the warmth of the sun. In front of me, in the grass, were flat stones, like stepping stones, inviting one to follow where they lead.

For me, though, it became time to think about returning home but I shall surely come back here, hoping to discover new delights as the seasons change.