of Oxton 2004 - the Saga continues

Part two of our quest began with a walk to garden number 10 in Christchurch Road. This included a well laid out garden, bordered by high stone walls. Secluded and private, and very different to the gardens that we had visited previously that day.

We then made our way down to Christchurch and soaked up the atmospheric organ music amidst the bouquets of flowers. It was nearing lunchtime, and rumbling stomachs were reminding us that burgers and hot dogs were available in Rose Mount from Adams the Butchers. So we climbed back up the road and were soon enjoying our food as we watched the Punch and Judy show that was entertaining the children at the bottom of the road.

Suitably refreshed and ready to move on our next garden number 9 was in Willan Street, a petite flagstoned garden with feature table and statues. This was quickly followed by a trip to the artistically influenced garden number 11. This garden also featured a display of pictures from its owner Chris Millichamp.

Strolling down Victoria Mount passed the Shrewsbury Arms and into Fairview Road, we were soon at the gates of garden number 12. This was a long narrow garden whose pond, with fish and frogs, was being enjoyed by a number of younger visitors. In garden number 13 the collection of watering cans provided an unusual feature and my son also passed comment on the scarecrow and steps. Two very different gardens right next to each other.

With the sun still streaming down over Oxton we set off for garden number 14. Once again this was a larger than expected south facing garden with a beautifully tendered lawn. Further up Arno Road we entered garden number 17 with its pagoda ("a great place to sit in a rain storm") and a covered raised pond with alligator and giant frog.

Garden number 1, opposite the Queens Hotel, was reached in the mid afternoon. This garden had been on show in previous years, but unfortunately we had never managed to get round to seeing it. We were all glad that we had managed to get here this year, with my son giving it a nine out of ten rating and the comment, "loads of bits".

Next on our agenda was the house and garden in Newburns lane (number 2). This provided visitors with possibly the most unusual views of the day, with its steep sided quarried garden, and a house built into the stone walls. Always a favourite of the day, but not for people who have problems with heights. After leaving here we walked pased the donkey rides at the top of Rose Mount and into garden number 03 where we availed ourselves of much needed refreshments. During our rest we listened to the splendid music provided by Two's Company. It was now just past two o'clock and we only had four gardens left to visit, so I rallied the troops for the final push.

Garden number 21 on the corner of Rose Mount and Mount Pleasant was next on our list. This garden featured in the first Secret gardens event and we particularly liked it because of its many ornaments scattered around the garden.

Outside in Mount Pleasant a number of local artists displayed their work. Many of these artists had also contributed to the Oxton Calendar for 2005 which was on display and available for sale at a number of venues throughout the day. At the far end of the road, and hidden away was garden number 20. This terraced house with views over Prenton (including Tranmere Rovers Ground) had an excellent garden that was rated very highly for football playing by my son.

Our penultimate garden (number 19) at the top of Poplar Road proved to be the biggest surprise of the afternoon. Having benefited from many years of development this superb garden was given a ten out of ten rating by my son. This was mainly because it had a brilliant play area, and an air raid shelter in the back. After spending some time enjoyngthe delights of this garden we moved onto garden number 18 in Poplar Road, a regular offering for the event and one for the gardening experts being crammed full of a variety of colourful plants.

With our quest completed we made our way back to our own secret garden in Claughton Firs and soaked up the sun for the remainder of the afternoon....or did we ?

Garden Number 10

Garden Number 09

Garden Number 12

Garden Number 13

Garden Number 14

Garden Number 17

Garden Number 01

Garden Number 02

Garden Number 03

Garden Number 21

Garden Number 20

Garden Number 19

Garden Number 18

Gardens Gallery 2004 - a collection of pictures from each of the gardens on show in the 2004 event

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