Nestled in between the pages of the current novel to laze away the summer afternoons in the shade is a snow gum leaf, already in early August, turned red and fallen. It came from a visit to the amazing gardens at East Ruston Old Vicarage.

I just had to go back again this summer. The EAGG went on one of our coach trips out in mid-May and I was curious to see how it would look three months on. As you entered in May, the first borders were a sea of blue and white camassias, now gone over entirely to perennial geraniums. The hydrangeas not even in bud on the last visit are now a great blooming mass of pinks and blues and here and there, doing very well in the shade of the tree canopy, lacy climbing  and bush, palest pink and white hydrangeas looking dainty by comparison. 

The dry desert garden was only just being transformed in May, bringing the succulents that are not frost hardy back outside. But now in August it looks as if they were always there, happily thriving amongst the huge stones and looking at home. The brilliant blue petals of the artichokes caught my eye and the sweet peas are picked each day so they still look bright and cheery scrambling through the hedge on the outside edge of the vegetable area. And you can buy posies of the picked flowers at the exit to the car park. 

The bit that makes me smile the most is still the hole in the hedges so that you can see the red and white striped lighthouse at Happisburgh six miles away. It is such a clever artifice and I notice there is a sturdy bench to stand on for keen photographers to make the most of the view. The lunch was delicious as was afternoon tea and the newly planted walled garden around the outside seating is a joy to see.  Another great day out that left me thinking I wonder what autumn looks like here. 

Maybe the lighthouse is visible....just as a grey splodge on this photo. You have to go there to see it for yourself!

Liz Law, EAGG Secretary