But I don't object at all that the place is so protected, ordered, prized. In a world were people lament that park-keepers have gone the way of railway porters and bus conductors, and neglect and vandalism seems to be the order of the day for our once treasured public spaces - or that is the impression I retain of the UK, it is less the case here, it is somehow reassuring to find a lovely place guarded so fiercely, and not only the Rennais but also people further afield in Brittany speak with pride and ownership of the Thabor.
which at that time (a couple of weeks ago now) were much further advanced in leaf than they were around here, indeed, the journey of less than a hundred kilometres south and east seemed to be somewhat of a journey into spring.
You walk up a small hill to the dog friendly area, where you can also stop for a game of table football, or le babyfoot as it is quaintly known,
You enter the park down an avenue of horse chestnuts,
You walk up a small hill to the dog friendly area, where you can also stop for a game of table football, or le babyfoot as it is quaintly known,
past long parallel borders of azaleas, rhododendrons and other shrubs
and down toward an aviary of finches, doves and parakeets. The wire of the enclosure made photographing difficult, but the birdlife outside was interesting too, such as this greater spotted woodpecker.
Continue through the showy parterre where the tulips stand to attention, but where island beds also offer luscious peonies
and delicate magnolias,
and on towards the garden of medicinal plants. Some of my students who once studied in Rennes, medicine, biology, pharmacology remember this place affectionately as part of their studies.
" Look at that wonderful leaf mould!" Tom exclaims.
At the centre of the circular labyrinth of the physic garden is a stone pond,
where the pansies match the goldfish
and Molly wonders about things which live in water.
Then meander out through an arboretum of strange and charming trees,
8 comments:
Oh how lovely! I enjoyed this one lots!
Beautiful. Positively beautiful.
Beautiful. I almost wish I was a shut in so I wouldn't feel guilty about living vicariously through your explorings.:)
Instead, I'm decently inspired to finish my work so I can go out and play!
Molly is no doubt an instructive guide.
Lovely place - litter free (you are right about the UK) and good that dogs are welcomed too
It was wonderful to be taken along on this gorgeous walk! My favorites: the koi and their pansy cousins. Thank you for a sunny break in my rainy day!
That was an enjoyable walk, thankyou. I am wondering what the trees are.
Glad you enjoyed it. I think the shaggy tree was perhaps a cork oak?
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