A little slice of paradise.

I have lived in Bath for about fourteen years now and have been doing this daily blog for at least 12 of them. However, this city is somewhere that can still throw up surprises and, for me, they are often joyful ones.

This morning, my husband drove me just two miles outside of this bustling city to park up in a field leading to one of the most beautiful and romantic gardens I have ever set foot in.

Set in a verdant valley and in the midst of what can certainly be described as classic English countryside, Caisson Gardens surrounds a Georgian house, which is the home of Phil and Amanda Honey.

They have lovingly restored and nurtured the gardens here at Caisson House in Combe Hay since 2010 to create a sustainable landscape, which has regenerative gardening principles at its core.

I am quoting directly from the ‘garden map’ brochure you’re given once you’ve arrived and presented your pre-booked ticket.

Here’s how they continue to describe the garden’s landscape:

‘ It is visually stunning and rich in thriving wildlife. We have combined a desire to be closer to nature with our love of art and design, providing the foundations for Caisson’s new era.’

‘The house, which is Grade 11 listed, was built in 1815 as the home for the chief engineer and offices for the Somerset Coal Canal Company. From this point, they administered a flight of canals and locks that were constructed throughout the Georgian and Victorian periods.

The canal operated for the duration between 1805 – 1895. ‘Caisson’ was the name of a revolutionary new kind of lock, but sadly, it failed in spectacular fashion.

It was replaced by conventional locks and canals – the remains of these structures thread throughout the gardens. The original position of the Caisson lock has never been found.’

We were viewing the gardens at their early-summer best with a profusion of flowers on display in herbaceous borders, along with ponds and rills, walled gardens and the most wonderful wildflower meadow to wander through.

This is an experience with a limited viewing time.

The Gardens open mid-April with an amazing tulip display and continue with open days throughout May and June.

The last two open days for this year are June 27th and 28th. I have no idea if they are fully booked, but www.caissongardens.com is the website. There is always next year!?

Phil and Amanda’s garden map bears this final message: ‘We wish you a wonderful visit in our little slice of paradise.’

Speaking of paradise, that is also a fair way of describing the selection (and taste) of the home-baked cakes on sale in a little cafe in the gardens.

They probably get fed up of hearing people say (jokingly) we’ve only come for a slice!

Thank you, Darren, for letting me enjoy both these amazing gardens and the lemon drizzle cake!