The beautiful Cheslyn Gardens is now in full bloom as spring is near its end. Sitting in one of the many seats in the garden you could be transported far away as you hear the birds singing, collecting food for their young. You can hear the water rushing over the pond’s waterfall in the background creating a tranquil space. The smell of the pine trees and the strong scent of azaleas and rhododendrons wafts caresses you as you wander through the myriad of winding paths.
This is one of Watford’s hidden gems tucked away in the Nascot area of Watford. Literally a 10 min walk around the corner from where I live. It has taken me four years to visit once again. After visiting many times as a child and teenager it brought back familiar memories of running around the park.
Cheslyn gardens used to be the home of Henry & Daisy Colbeck. Mr Colbeck was an architect and he and his wife designed the house and gardens. The gardens are filled with some exotic plants picked up on his travels around the world.
Walking around the gardens you have the formal front area and the woodland area behind. The gardens are on a 3.8 acre plot and were opened to the public in 1965. It was run in partnership with Watford Council and they took full control on Henry Colbeck’s death in 1971. Further land was added to the plot in the early 70s making the plot we see today. It has been added to since with a pond, aviary, herbaceous borders and rock garden. In 2009 it was awarded the green flag status and has held it ever since. They are awarded to green spaces/parks that are well managed and maintained. A standard around the UK and world.
The gardens are managed by Watford Council and are open all year round except for Christmas Day, Boxing Day and New Years Day. More information can be found with the opening times and facilities here.
Near the old entrance to the garden, you stumble upon the Passing of the Wind statue by C.W. Dyson-Smith that used to be near the Watford Library. Some rare trees can be found that are usually not seen in the UK. Like the Japanese Plum Yew, Indian Bean tree, Wellingtonia, Tulip tree and Sweet Gum tree and a few more. The gardeners have done an amazing job keeping it looking so splendid.
Getting there
The gardens are on Nascot Wood road near the top end close to Ridgeway. About a 30min walk from Watford Junction station plus a few buses, take a look at the Watford Council page with more information.
Photographs
The gardens are an ideal place for photographers with all the birds and wildlife around. I don’t know why it has taken me so long to visit again. In the summer you should see dragonflies and damselflies amongst many other insects. Lots of different types of birds, badgers, deer, foxes and some exotic birds in the aviary.
The abundance of beautiful flowers intricate and delicate can be found whilst walking around. There were a few bluebells leftover from early spring and the Wisteria was still in full bloom.
The photographs you will see in this blog post was taken in mid-May during the lockdown in 2020 to combat the Coronavirus. You can find more of my photographs on the Flickr link below.
Sometimes you miss the places right on your doorstep as you adventure afar. The lockdown has meant it’s been local places I have visited more. Have you found some new places around your local area? Leave a comment below if you have visited Cheslyn gardens or any other place you recommend near where you live. Thanks for reading and see you on another blog. Follow me on the social media links below or sign up to my newsletter.
Links
Cheslyn Gardens – https://www.watford.gov.uk/info/20013/parks_and_recreation/50/cheslyn_house_and_gardens
Instagram – http://www.instagram.com/alalchan
Flickr – https://www.flickr.com/photos/alalchan/albums/72157714338274683
Twitter – http://www.twitter.com/alalchan
