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Mansfield Almshouses

The courtyard is surrounded by high brick walls and the six cottages back onto it. Clematis and climbing roses scale the walls. Baskets, flower pouches, planters are all full of trailing and bedding plants. There is also a water feature on one wall. Birds, butterflies and bees are ever present. Squirrels dig up our spring bulb and entertain us with astounding acrobatics to access the bird feeders.

The key feature of the garden is a hexagonal table in the centre of the garden. It is here, surrounded by flowers, that we have spent many, many enjoyable hours, listening to the birds, sharing barbeques, meals, 'tales of woe' and jokes. It's the 'hub' of the garden.

The Almshouses garden

As well as flowers we have strawberry planters, runner beans, tomatoes and potatoes. For a smallish courtyard this mix does sound cluttered, but, strangely enough, it's quite delightful. It is a lovely tranquil environment.

Mansfield Almshouses

My favourite time of year is spring, when the gloomy nights and cold weather give way to the spring bulbs. The perennials poke their heads out of the ground with the promise of sunny days to come.