Heathcliff Back At The Keyboard

Hi Everybody! It has been quite some time since I last nudged Desiree off her blogging seat.

I thought you might like to know that Bonny, Toby, Coco, Milo, Noodle and I are all doing very well. With the warmer weather, we have been spending some time at the pool. Continue reading to see all of us having fun in the sun!

Vue de Ciele [Franschhoek Open Garden 2011]

View from the steeply winding driveway up to the manor house at Vue de Ciel

Here I am, back again, to proceed with you on our visit to Vue de Ciele, another of the wonderful, private gardens in Franschhoek that were opened to the public for viewing, in order to raise much needed funding for the Fleur de Lis home for the aged.

Klein Champagne [Franschhoek Open Garden 2011]

The entrance to Klein Champagne Estate, Franschhoek. Vineyards lined with magnificent roses.

Klein Champagne is a privately owned wine estate set in the exquisitely beautiful Franschhoek Valley. Described on our programme as a "park-like garden, with spectacular roses, a large and shaded river frontage, meandering paths and a lily covered lake", this very large garden was an absolute joy to behold.

Only Seven Pictures Today...

Witels River area - day trip - October 2011

My new theme song is, "It's been another busy week!" If it hasn't already been written, it ought to be, since I have it repeat playing indefinitely. For now, I see little chance of any change.

Fay Bentley's Garden [Franschhoek Open Garden 2011]

Hello. I'm one of the seven Persians whose function it is to add beauty and grace to Fay's garden.

This altogether delightful, small garden of complimentary mixed plantings, has been featured in several magazines. That Fay is truly passionate about her garden is evident in every step one takes.

Montpellier [Franschhoek Open Gardens 2011]

Montpellier, Franschhoek Open Garden, October 2011

Here I am, back at my computer after another very busy week, to walk you around the gardens at Montpellier. This was the last of the ten gardens we visited, but I have opted to feature it second, since it is so very different in style and setting from the first garden I shared, namely La Rive.