WELCOME to the 2014 #AtoZ Blog Challenge
Inspired By My Pinterest Boards: This Year’s Category is GARDENING
I took this photograph in May of 2000 during a garden tour that included the Botanical Gardens. I recommend you visit this amazing place while in Oxford
The University of Oxford Botanic Garden is the oldest botanic garden in the UK. Since it was founded in 1621 the Garden has evolved and is now recognised as a classic yet contemporary botanic garden at the heart of the University and City of Oxford. The gardens are located on the High Street.
In my novel, Greening of a Heart, Hannah Winchester has an appointment with a friend at the OBG. “Jackson dropped Hannah in front of the Oxford Botanical Gardens where one of the curators, George Pringle, was expecting her. After she explained her intention to write about the vicarage garden, he readily agreed to read the manuscript. “For you dear, anything, but I am ruthless in catching your botanical errors.” It was my own visit to the OBG that inspired this connection to Greening.
I remember visiting that garden with you, especially for its collection of euphorbias and its outstanding/effective plant labels. they set a very high standard..
Interested that you mentioned the euphorbias because that is what I remember to this day never having had much luck with growing them. I love them. Wasn’t it all a blessing.
How lovely to have been inspired by your first visit to the University of Oxford Botanic Garden. I love to put my characters in places I’ve been. I also like to send them to places I dream of going. 🙂
I like your idea of settings where I dream of going. Let’s see….well, back to England. Maybe a sequel to Greening of a Heart?
It looks like a beautiful place! And congratulations on your upcoming book release!
Unfortunately, the book is still a work in progress. When the #Challenge is over, I must get back to it. Visit again if you have an interest.
Beautiful. The closest thing we have to that in the area is Zilker Botanical Garden in Austin, Texas. I had my bridal pictures taken there (many years ago). It is Asian inspired and very peaceful.
Have a newly married grandson arriving in Austin. IF we get there for a visit now I know to go and see ZBG. Unknowingly, you have given me a great tip. Thanks. Come back and see me when you can.
I’ve been to Oxford, but we didn’t have time for the gardens. That first shot is awesome.
It was a beautiful May day that made you glad to be alive. Now you have another reason to go back.
Part of the Botanic Garden is used by Philip Pullman at the end of his trilogy: “His dark materials”. It’s also a lovely place to visit with a very interesting medicinal plant garden.