Summer is undoubtedly the poorest season to view gardens – it is very hot and there are no displays of flowers. But on a positive note even if they are limiting numbers we can get in.

It is fascinating that even when ringed by high towers, the gardens are remarkedly peaceful. This garden, dating from1654, has a tidal pond and 2 duck hunting grounds.

I love the props for the limbs of old trees rather than chopping them down because they are unstable,

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Below are two photos, one showing the ‘drainpipe’ from the roof to the ground … it is so attractive. The second one I have attempted to take from a bird hide; along with the reflection of the nearby buildings, you can see two herons.

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Duck hunting was clever stuff … domestic ducks were raised and they learned on hearing a wooden hammer bang to enter a deep wooden ditch lined with wood for their feed. Wild waterfowls came to the park in autumn & winter, and would follow the domestic ducks for food. Falcons were released to capture the waterfowls and people would help with large scoop nets.

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