My guide to eating out in Lyndhurst

My simple guide to eating out in Lyndhurst
I am not going to put these in order of preference, it's just as I think of them and I may miss a few out this time round but I can always do a part 2.  
Also just so that you know - all of the pubs and restaurants mentioned are children friendly as we have 2 of our own.

The Waterloo Arms, Pikes Hill, Lyndhurst (pub)
www.waterlooarmsnewforest.co.uk/
This 17th century thatched pub is tucked away just off the A337 on the edge of the village.  It's still within walking distance at about a 10 minute stroll.  It is full of character with open log fires in the winter and the best pub garden in the village in the summer.  The menu is a little more original than most pubs and everything that I have tried so far has been delicious.  The atmosphere is very friendly and quite often they have things going on like musicians, quiz, garden parties & BBQ's.  The only criticism I have of this pub is that it's slightly more expensive than the others in the village but they have for the last few years done a 10% discount card on food for all our guests.

The Fox & Hounds (pub)
www.foxandhoundslyndhurst.co.uk/‎
This is another traditional village pub with log fires and beams.  It recently changed ownership to the Fuller's Brewery and since then we have not been in to eat, however it was always consistently good food, very reliable. The pubs prominent location in the High Street means that it is always popular with tourists and our guests feedback so far has all been good.  It has a small rear patio and a semi separate indoor area for families.

La Pergola (restaurant)
www.la-pergola.co.uk/‎
This is at the very bottom end of the High Street just after the fire station.  A fantastic authentic family run Italian restaurant which is usually extremely busy, I would certainly recommend booking between Easter - October to avoid disappointment.  You can sit in or out as it has a pretty patio garden and also an outdoor play area to entertain the children.  The food and service here is fantastic - the best ravioli I've ever had! Being a restaurant it is little more expensive but definitely worth it, ideal for special occasions.

Imperial China (restaurant)
www.imperialchinalyndhurst.co.uk/
This is opposite the traffic lights at the top of the High Street.  A fantastic Chinese restaurant which again is usually extremely busy and I would recommend booking between Easter - October.  All indoor seating in a very elegant setting and the food is amazing - the best prawn toast I've ever had! The service is extremely efficient and friendly, another ideal place for a special occasion. Being a restaurant it is little more expensive but definitely worth it.
They do also offer a take away menu if you are unable to eat in.

Siam Thai Lounge (restaurant)
www.siamthailounge.com/‎
This is next door to the Fox & Hounds in the High Street.  Really nice food although the menu is a little hard to understand but the staff are very attentive and nothing is too much trouble.  All indoor seating over 2 floors .

Prezzo (restaurant)
www.prezzorestaurants.co.uk/restaurant/lyndhurst‎
Placed in between the Fox & Hounds and the Imperial China.  A lovely old converted building with lots of old features.  They are part of a chain but even so the food is lovely and affordable.  All indoor seating and it's not that big so it may be wise to book in advance.   There is also a take away option if you are unable to eat in.

The Mailmans Arms (pub)
www.mailmans-arms.co.uk/‎
Situated at the bottom of the High Street next to the Ferrari garage.  During the summer this pub is ideally situated for sitting outside at the front and watching the world go by while dreaming of owning a Ferrari that's parked right next to you.  It's probably the best decorated pub in the village with masses of beautiful flowers from early summer and then Christmas lights in December.  The area out the front is always the centre of the Christmas Fun Day and also the Christmas lights switch on ceremony.  There is also an enclosed rear garden that is ideal for the kids as they can't get out and it has a lovely lawn for them to play on.  The food ranges from very simple things like bangers & mash that are very reasonably priced to more expensive and slightly more sophisticated food, all of which is very nice.
They also do a lovely carvery on Sundays, the only one actually in the village and children under 10 eat free with each full paying adult.
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme.

Passage to India (restaurant)
www.passagetoindia-lyndhurst.co.uk/‎
Situated just on the A337 from the High Street at the traffic lights.  It's an unusual shaped restaurant so it doesn't seat quite as many as you would think from the outside and it's looked the same inside & out ever since we moved here in 2002.  The food is very nice although I have to be honest and mention that more than once I have specifically asked them to leave out the coriander and it's still been all over my meal - therefore it's been sent back to the kitchen.  Just a little personal niggle really.

The Curry Leaf (restaurant)
curryleaflyndhurst.co.uk/‎
We have only eaten here once for Fred's birthday and I have to say I was really impressed.  The staff were all great, the food was delicious - with no coriander!  The price was very reasonable and the atmosphere and decoration was fresh, modern and very relaxed.



My guide to eating out in places further a field

High Corner Inn, Linwood
www.highcornerinn.co.uk/‎
We ate here last night for my early birthday meal a little bit by accident really (as the Red Shoot Inn wasn't doing food) but I was really glad that we did.  Just as we pulled up in the car we were met by a funny New Forest pony trying to get through the old fashioned turnstile as if he'd just been in for a drink, the bar tender then proceeded to come out and let the pony out of the main gate, and he wandered of - just a little insight into the quirkiness of most of the pubs out in the Forest.  It's a very welcoming pub with a massive inglenook style log fire to great you and very friendly staff.  Even the other customers in there were extremely friendly and with it being a dog friendly pub there were 3 dogs there and our children loved them.  One lady there was on her way to "Crufts" with her Whippet, fingers crossed for them.  The food was delicious and plenty of it, the special Stilton crusted sirloin steak looked amazing and apparently tasted it too.  The setting of this pub really is in the middle of the forest, a real hidden gem, and there are some lovely walks around there too.
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme

The Haywain, Bartley 
www.crowncarveries.co.uk/thehaywainsouthampton/‎
This pub does a very nice Carvery every day of the week and  during the week it is such good value for money, it costs £3.75 (I think) per adult  Mon - Sat and then Sun it's more like £7.00 per adult.  You get a generous amount of meat and there is usually 3 different meats to choose from or have all 3, then you can help yourself to as much veg as you can get on your plate.  It does get extremely busy so at peak times you will have to queue and wait but other than that it's unbeatable really.  The prices of the drinks here are also probably the cheapest in the area too and they do offer other meals as well as the carvery.



Other places where we have eaten and would recommend but it's been a while

White Buck Inn, Burley
whitebuckburley.co.uk/‎
This is a very impressive former country mansion that has substantial grounds including a great semi hidden play trail for the kids.  The garden seems to catch the sun just about all day long but if you prefer you can sit in and enjoy the very elegant decoration.  I always think that you feel like you have been somewhere special and out of the ordinary when you go here.  We have been here very recently for a drink, but we haven't eaten for a while, although when we did the food was really nice.
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme

The Oak Inn, Bank 
oakinnlyndhurst.co.uk/‎
A lovely pub but quite small so it gets busy very quickly.  A lovely outdoor sheltered area and a garden too - very popular with cyclists.
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme

The Swan, Lyndhurst 
www.theswanlyndhurst.co.uk/
On the edge of Lyndhurst on the A35.  It has a nice garden with an outdoor play area but it is on the road side.  Very nicely decorated inside and the food was lovely the last time we ate there.  We used to go quite frequently until we moved house.  
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme

The New Forest Inn, Emery Down
www.thenewforestinn.co.uk/‎
Very nice traditional pub with a lovely garden.  This pub has previously been host to the fantastic talent competition - The Forest's Got Talent, in conjunction with the Trusty Servant at Minstead & Wave 105 radio station.  We have had lovely food here but it was a while ago.

The New Forest Hotel, Ashurst
newforestashurst.co.uk/‎
This pubs caters for most of the campers at Ashurst campsite so it really can get busy although it is a very large pub with an even bigger garden.  There is a nice play area that is fenced in to keep the kids safe and a huge lawn area to play on, although it does go all the way to the main road.  We have had some very nice food here and it's very nicely decorated inside with a very relaxed feel about it. 
These do participate in the "Brand New Forest" card scheme

Sir Walter Tyrell, Brook 
www.newforestpubcompany.co.uk/page/sir-walter-tyrrell/
A great outdoor play area here for children - probably one of the largest I've seen at a pub.  The food was very nice but only ever sat outside.  It is a bit in the middle of no where but very near to the famous Rufus Stone.

The Drift Inn, Beaulieu Road Station.
www.driftinn.co.uk/‎
Another good outside play area and very large garden.  It is a bit exposed though and situated right next to the railway line, but they are not that frequent to make it a nuisance.  Some great walks around here and the food from memory was good.  We used to cycle to here have a few drinks and maybe something to eat and then cycle back to Lyndhurst. 

Crown Stirrup, Lyndhurst
www.thecrownstirrup.co.uk/‎
This pub has changed hands since we ate here but it did do good food.  What I really like about this place is the garden.  It has an unusual fire pit in the middle which is lit regularly through the summer and you can just sit round the fire enjoying your drinks.  There is a play corner for the kids and also an outside bowling/skittle alley.  The other nice thing is that the garden backs straight onto the open forest and cycle routes at the back of Lyndhurst leading to Brockenhurst, so it's a great watering hole for walkers & cyclists.


These are places that we have tried & tested and enjoyed.  There will be more as we are continually trying to visit new places all the time and even re-visit old places to make sure that they are maintaning the same standards.  

If you are visiting the New Forest, especially Lyndhurst you never know this blog may just help you to decide where to eat :) 

Mel

Special occasions & decorations

I thought I would do a quick blog to share and promote my individual room decorations.  I love doing them and I get immense pleasure from the reactions & appreciation when my guests arrive and see their decorated room.  

I have done several occasions now and I try to do something different for each of them even if they do ask for the same as the photos on our website
 Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B.

 I only do them on request and I charge for any items purchased and a little bit extra for my time & creativity, but I'm certainly not expensive.  If you bring your own props/gifts I will arrange and decorate for free.  I love a challenge too so I will try to cater for any request.

  

So far most of my requests have been for Valentine's day and the choice of gifts and decorations for this is almost endless and is really only limited by budget. The only thing we don't allow is candles as obviously it's a safety issue.

but it really doesn't have to be a special occasion, you might just want to spoil your loved one any day.  

Birthday's - Helium balloons, banners and streamers  - just a simple idea and could be adapted or expanded to suit any occasions.  

A couple of years ago I had a very low key wedding couple staying, who are family of regular guests of ours, who over the years have become very good friends.  As a special personal touch I just added the confetti heart and helium balloon as a small gift from us.  

 Hand made paper bouquet.  I made this for one of my best friends 1st wedding anniversary (paper anniversary) last year.  It wasn't involved in a room decoration but it is something that could be, I can make on request if desired and the added bonus is it keeps for ever unlike fresh flowers. 

All of the examples in the pictures can be mixed and matched and adapted, you just need to give me a simple brief and a budget to work from and I'll do the rest :)

Mel

An afternoon in Burley

Although the weather yesterday was very blowy, it was at least dry and the sun did make a few brief appearances so we decided to drag the kids out for a bit and went over to the nearby village of Burley.  I have driven through so many times but have never actually stopped to explore Burley and we decided it was about time we did.  Parking is very easy - there is quite a large pay & display car park just next to the Queens Head pub and it's right in the middle of the village.  Quite often they hold a farmers market here at weekends which is always worth a look. Burley isn't a very big village but it is very pretty with some very unique shops, a whole range of activities and of course surrounded by beautiful forest.

As soon as you enter the main street you can't help but notice that the shops are not your normal shops with 2 of them being witches shops, selling all sorts of mystical, magical & humorous gifts, they are definitely worth a look for their uniqueness.  There is also a delightful leather shop that we visited Titan Leather Craft.  There's lots of lovely things here and not too expensive either.  While we were there the lady, who I believe is the owner, was busy decorating a beautiful leather book cover and she explained to my kids what she was doing, what it would be like when finished, explained about the unique paper from India and her experimental techniques.  It was really interesting and an absolute surprise to find such a shop.  You really can't beat seeing the products being made and listening to them talk about what they are doing - it's far more rewarding and enriching than just going to a shop, buying something of a shelf with no interaction with anyone, other than handing money over.  We were only browsing this time but I know where I will be going next time I want a special gift for someone.  

There are several lovely pubs & cafes to take a pit-stop and enjoy the surroundings but I think my personal favourite is The White Buck Inn.  It is situated just outside of the main village near to the golf course and it's a beautiful country house set amongst a substantial sunny garden with a semi-hidden woodland play area for the kids.  It's an ideal spot to sit for either just a drink or to have a meal - the food is lovely.

Going back to the village just next to the main car park there are two great attractions: Burley Wagon Rides and Deer Safari.  So far we haven't done these yet but have seen them in operation and they are fun ways to see a bit more of the forest and the animals witnin.  They are both seasonal and currently neither are open but they should be on everyone's list when visiting Burley.  
Also operating from the beautiful Burley Manor hotel is a riding school, Burley Manor Riding Stables.  We popped in yesterday to find out more about this, as I personally have decided to tick this particular activity off my "list of things to do" this year.  We have more recently, had several guests go out horse riding whilst staying with us and every time they talk about I am always jealous, so this year I am doing it.  The setting of the stables obviously is quite nice, in the grounds of the hotel and they are very well placed for walks out in the forest.  They offer 1 hour (£33 per person) or 2 hour rides (£66 per person) they take any ability and anyone from the age of 4.  The owner is a lovely lady who was very helpful and from what we could see from the group going out, they are very professional.  Although I have not booked my session yet (only due to weather conditions) I would, from what I have experienced so far, have no problem with recommending them.

Other things to do in Burley - obviously cycling, there is a very helpful and friendly cycle shop New Forest Cycle Hire who will fix you up with whatever you need and send you off on one of the many "close by" routes that are suitable for all ages and abilities. 

New Forest Cider & Cider Pantry Tea Room 
Interested in how cider is made?  This is a Commoner's smallholding with traditional cider press.  You not only get see where it's made but you get a chance to sample the cider & perry too.  There is a farm shop with lots of local preserves, cheese, wines & liqueurs and a tea room where you can enjoy a cream tea, home-made cake or lunch.

There is something for the sweet toothed visitor too with Burley Fudge, where they traditionally hand make fudge, Turkish delight, Belgian nougat, marzipan's, fondants & gingers. 

Of course there is always just walking, with the forest all around you don't have to go that far, just get out there and enjoy it.  There is nothing better than being outdoors, exploring and doing something different.  I can't imagine how you wouldn't enjoy yourself in Burley -  it has so much to offer - come see for yourself!

Christmas Winter Wonderland

I always love Christmas time and the build up to the big day.  I love all the pretty lights going on and the little Christmas fayres that pop up everywhere.  The excitement of seeing Santa when you are out and about.  The general good spirit of everyone and also the many places to stop and have a festive drink with either live music playing or the classic Christmas songs being pumped out from every shop or pub.  As we have 2 kids we always enjoy the tradition of visiting Santa somewhere so that they can give him their Christmas lists and this year was no exception.  

This time we decided to take them up to London, Hyde Park's Winter Wonderland.  

I think it was as much for me as it was for the kids.  We did, a few years back, do something similar in Brussels, but I had never been to London at Christmas time before, so I was really excited.  
Luckily we had a school inset day at the beginning of December so it meant that we could go up for the day and it wouldn't be too busy.  We parked in an underground car park on Park Lane, which was literally underneath Hyde Park - we couldn't have been any closer!  As soon as the kids saw the park we got a joint "Wow!".  

Entrance to the Winter Wonderland is free, yes free.  The fairground rides are expensive though, so be prepared to get through some money!  I was really impressed with the whole thing, it is such a beautiful setting and it all looks so magical and wintry.  It's like a kids dream come true, which looks great in daylight but looks amazing in the dark.  We were very lucky going on a Monday as it wasn't very busy at all during the day, we didn't have to queue more than 5 - 10 mins for anything, if at all. 

Our first port of call was to visit Santa in his Grotto.  

We thought it was best to get this done before the queue got big, although to be fair it never did.  He was really good, he took time to read their lists and talk to the kids about it and they had loads of pictures taken - they loved it.  
We then had a walk round to see what was there and choose a few things to do later on.  It is a large area and it's filled with food & drink stalls and German market stalls selling all sorts of crafts and gifts.  It all looks lovely and very tempting.  There are loads of ride on things for all ages and some awesome big rides for the brave big kids :)

We had made a decision to do 2 of the main attractions that are there, we chose:
The Giant Observation Wheel  

and the Magical Ice Kingdom 
but the others include an Ice Rink, Circus & Cirque Berserk.  The giant wheel was very good value for money, it was £20.00 for a family of 4 and we had about 15 mins in it.  The view from it was really good, all the main sites can be seen which was good for the kids to see.  We also did the ice kingdom.  This again was £20.00 for a family of 4 but unfortunately our kids were so cold in there that they couldn't wait to get out.  It did warn us that it was -8 degrees and we were wrapped up, but even I have to say, it was flipping cold.  At one point I thought I'd got frost bite in one hand as I had to take my glove off to take pictures with my phone.  The sculptures though were amazing, to think that it's all ice - it is a sight to see. 

As it was going to be a long day we decided to take a break and walk the kids down to Buckingham Palace,  as they had never been to London before, and we wanted them to see something else while we were there.  If we had thought about it all a bit more we should maybe have took them on an open top tour of London first and then do the Wonderland, but we didn't, so we'll have to do that next year ;)

It really wasn't far to walk down to Buckingham Palace and it was nice walking through Green Park.  We had lots of pictures taken in front of the gates and on the fountain, 
and from there we could see Big Ben and the London Eye.  On our walk back we walked up to Oxford Street to have a little look and stopped for hot chocolate to warm up, as it was cold.  By this time it had now become dusk and the whole of Winter  Wonderland was lit up :)
There was live music playing everywhere and the atmosphere had changed from in the daylight - it was even more magical and exciting.  It had really come alive and also got busy.  After doing a few of the children's rides and walking round the rest of the bits that we hadn't seen earlier we found the ice rink.  It really is beautiful and next time I will definitely be booking that up.
 We then found a Bavarian bar with live music playing,  so we stopped to have a beer to finish the day off.  You could tell that the night was just getting going and it was going to be great fun.   I have to say that I didn't want to go home, if I could have, I would have stayed all night but sadly we did have to get the kids home for school the next day.  I think if we go next year I might look at staying over for a night so we can do a lot
more and enjoy the buzz of London. 


Since then we have been to a few local Christmas Fayres and seen Santa in several places.  The kids & adults  have had Christmas parties, we've watched the pre-school nativity and we have done our Christmas shopping.  Everywhere looks lovely all lit up with twinkling lights and decorations and a lot of fun has been had by all - already.  Now we can sit back and enjoy the holidays, bring on the celebrations! 

All of us at Acorns would just like to wish all our past, present and future guests, Facebook  & Twitter followers and blog readers a very Merry Christmas and a prosperous & happy New Year x  

We would very much like to see you all soon 

Mel, Fred, Isabelle & Sophie

Homemade preserves - you really can't beat it!

If any of you have been following me on Facebook & Twitter you would know that recently I have been experimenting and enjoying making my own preserves. It is something that I am really getting into and so far everyone who has been lucky enough to try some of them, have throughly enjoyed them, especially my B&B guests.  

I started off with the very easy to make blackberry jam.  

This all started because we have a lot of blackberry bushes growing down the side of our garden and this year was an amazing year for the amount and the size of blackberry's.  As we have always encouraged our kids to make the most of and appreciate seasonal fruits and veg that we can have fun harvesting ourselves, they were very keen to get out there and start picking this abundance of fruit.  Obviously this then resulted in a huge amount of fruit sitting in my kitchen and me wondering what to do with it all.  I hadn't made jam for about 10 years, but thought I did it then - so I can do it again now.  The first batch went really really well, it was surprisingly easy and Sophie & Isabelle helped so it was another great family activity.  The very next morning I put a jar out for the guests to try and it was an instant success, they loved it and over a few weeks ate most of it.
As the kids were still busy picking more & more blackberry's I made a second batch of this jam, but unfortunately this time I was a bit too eager and it ended up a little bit on the runny side, although the taste was still very yummy.  The guests got to try this too and finished it all, so I guess the consistancy didn't really matter as long as it tasted good. 

After realising that I had hit on something here I decided to try a different flavour so the guests had a choice. I decided to use more ingredients that we had growing in the garden and made rhubarb & strawberry jam. 

 Unfortunately the strawberry's weren't mine but the rhubarb was, and now I will never be stuck for what to make with it.  This jam was a delightful surprise, I had been a bit unsure as rhubarb can be sour but put with strawberries it was amazing.  Again another success with the guests, it didn't last long.

The great thing about making my own jam is that the guests really do appreciate that it's not shop bought, something that I have put effort into to make myself and use where possible ingredients that I have grown myself.  It's something that alot of people don't or can't do at home for one reason or another but everyone can just go to the supermarket and buy jam.  It's also been a great coversational topic as everyone is suddenly interested to hear about my homemade products.

Next I wanted to experiment with something a little more unusual, something that isn't your normal supermarket jam and I found a great recipe in a book that one of my friends lent to me - plum, orange & ginger jam.  The recipe didn't actually have ginger in it but as I was getting a bit more confident now I decided, what the hell - give it a go.  I'm not actually very good at following a recipe to the letter as I either don't read it properly and think I know what I'm doing or I might not have exactly the right ingrediants but something similar and think, it'll do.  So far - so good!  This jam is really nice but could possibly have done with slightly more orange in it, but other than that it's also been a great success.  I still have a bit left but if you want some you'll have to book up quick!

Moving on to something slightly different, my tomatoes had started to die off in the greenhouse a few weeks ago so I decided to pull them up and with all the green tomatoes I would make chutney.  Again I hadn't made this for maybe nearly 15 years but not wanting to see anything go to waste it was time to try again.  It is a lot of chopping but not really difficult.  The smell was really good while cooking but I have to say that we haven't tried any yet as it recommended that you jar it and leave it to mature for a few weeks, so we are still waiting.

So by now my confidence has been growing with every guest that has eaten my jam and complimented me on how lovely they all are, so I felt it was time to give marmalade a go.  I have never done this before and had the idea in my head that it's difficult, I don't even know why, I just did.
I was pushed into to doing it by Fred, who whilst out shopping bought a box of clementines that had been reduced as they were nearing the end of their shelf life and it would be far too many for us to just eat as fruit so I thought, right that's it - marmalade here we go.  I searched on the internet to find a clementine marmalade recipe as I wasn't sure you could even do it with clementines, but sure enough you can.  Again doing my usual trick of not reading the recipe properly jumped straight in.  Boiled them for 3 hours in water as it said, then realised that this was a 2 day process, as they then had to stand overnight in the pan before starting again.  The next morning I read on that you then have to pulp all the flesh through a sieve - bit of a faff I have to say and then alot of boiling to get to the setting point, as I was determind to make sure that this marmalade was spot on.  I have some lovely regular guests that are marmalade lovers and for them aswell as myself I wanted this to be my best effort yet.  
Well I have to say that I have amazed myself and it is delicious, it's nice and firm and the peel strands are very tasty and just the right thickness - it is most definitely my best yet :)

One of my regular workmen is staying again at the moment and he's one of the marmalade lovers that I mentioned earlier, he gave it the taste test last week and loves it, I can't ask for anymore than that. 

I have been approached now by several people asking me if I sell my preserves and have had to answer with, not at the moment as I don't have enough to sell.  My guests are busy eating it all and the whole purpose has been to give them something that they don't get at home, a bit of a treat.  Although I am now considering starting to make bigger batches and then I could sell them if there is a demand, we will see.  Maybe if enough people ask me I could be persuaded:)

The amazing popularity of my jam & marmalade with my guests has really suprised me but I am now so glad that I made that first batch.  Since I started offering my own jam, no one has used any of the bought portions that I still offer in the breakfast room, funnily enough.  I do now intend to carry on and make all my own jams for the breakfasts as you clearly, really can't beat homemade jam, I don't care what anyone says.

I know it's not rocket science but I am feeling very pleased with myself
Mel

Childhood memories brought to life

Last weekend we made a bug hotel in our garden and watching the kids building it & enjoying it, it just reminded me of when I was a little girl....

I can't quite remember at what age it began but I was probably even younger than Sophie and the happy memories will last with me forever.  
My Dad & I would spend hours together in his greenhouse or working in the garden.  It was our quality time and to me - the best times, which I now treasure immensely.  Sometimes we would be busy sowing seeds, as my dad was a believer of doing everything from scratch, not only because it was cheaper, but because he could, and he liked to follow the whole cycle from start to finish.  We would spend hours pricking out from the seed trays  to pots when they got big enough, and then obviously from pots to planting out in the garden.  Sometimes though we would just sit in the greenhouse, out of the wind or rain, and watch the plants & garden grow and enjoy it. 

We had quite a large garden that dad split into 2 so that we had a vegetable patch at the top and then an amazingly manicured lawn area with borders close to the house.  Dad was very proud of his lawn in particular, but also of all his gardening, and he used to get so many comments about it.  There were a couple of  years where he opened the garden up to something like the open gardens scheme and everyone that came loved it.  He was very particular and a perfectionist in the garden, like he was in his work.  I remember he used to have an electric mower which had a heavy roller in the back so that when you mowed it you got the definite stripes up and down (just like the football pitches) and they had to be straight!  It did look nice when he had done it, I have to say, but he didn't like anyone ruining his lawn.  He used to stop any women walking on it in high heels and mysteriously my swingball ended up broken after a couple of times being used - mmmm??? It did always look beautiful through the summer though, full of colour and immaculate.  Although I'm not quite as dedicated as him I do still aspire to be like him and have a garden as beautiful as his, even though I prefer a looser style.

Because we had the veggie patch we always had something from the garden to eat and I remember vividly eating the peas straight from the pod and the tomatoes straight off the vine and how good they tasted, it's something you really can't beat and I believe that all kids should experience this.  Dad's homemade pickled onions were always amazing too and we both used to enjoy a bit of the vinegar from the pickle jar poured on melted cheese on toast - yummm!  Eventually though as he got older he gave up the veggie patch and turned that into more manicured lawn with ornamental beds cut into it - another project that we did together.

Another large part of my memories of gardening with Dad was the amount of butterflies that we used to have in our garden and although I used to catch them in my net (unfortunately not realising that I was adding to their decline) I used to love seeing them and running round the garden after them.  Looking back too I remember so many bees, caterpillars and all sorts of bugs in general and it's because of these memories that I have now made a conscious effort to do what ever I can to help nature and all the wonderful natural things I took for granted when I was little. 

For a huge part of my life the one thing we both shared was our love of gardening, even when I was a difficult teenager, which I'm sure I was.  I would still find some time to help him, and still enjoy it, it was never a chore.  I am thankful that we shared this passion and that what he taught me has stayed with me, so that now I'm passing it on to my kids. I have always included my children in my gardening as I want them to grow up with the same memories that I have and I think it's important for them to appreciate how things grow, where our food comes from and how important insects & bugs are in the whole process.   

This year in particular the kids have helped sow, plant and also harvest all our fruits and vegetables from our veggie patch and it's been great seeing them enjoy picking them and trying them the same as I used to with Dad, even if they don't like them in the end.  It's like seeing my memories played back again through my children now and it's really, really lovely.  We have eaten our fruits & veg raw & cooked, we've made jam, we've frozen some for the winter, we've made Ratatouille for the first time, I plan to make chutney and also kept some as seeds for next year, ready to do it all again. 

 I must admit that I'm not such a perfectionist when it comes to gardening but I think that isn't such a bad thing as gardens can be too tidy.  Since we have lived in this house I have been planting wild meadow flowers to encourage the bees & butterflies and also leaving weeds that flower, where as Dad never had weeds!   I've made a decision that if the bees and butterflies like it, it can stay, what ever it is.  
Just the other day "we" as a whole family built a bug hotel in the garden.  It was great fun and something that we've all done together to help nature - giving nature a home.  
It wasn't hard and hopefully it will make a small difference.  The kids think it's great, Isabelle has always been bug mad right from being able to walk, but Sophie's not so sure, hopefully this will encourage her to accept them and enjoy them for what they are.  
Watching the kids taking part and enjoying being in the garden, making things and growing things always takes me back to when I was little and for a few minutes I feel close to my Dad again, which always makes me happy.  Sadly my kids never knew their Grandad Binder as he passed away the year before I was pregnant with Isabelle, which does sadden me, but I'm sure if you can look down, he is up there watching over them and enjoying them loving nature just the same as I did, and saying "Melly, get rid of them bloody weeds!" 

I do miss my Dad a lot, but at least in a way I keep him alive in the things that my family & I are doing :)  Quality time with your kids is precious aswell so if you can find something special like this - make the most of it.

Mel

Looking back over the summer

I haven't blogged much this summer I know, but to be honest the weather - for a change, was just too flippin good to be sat in doors :) 

In & around Lyndhurst, such a well placed part of the country to make the most of good weather, we have had so much fun.  The forest is the ideal place for simple walks, cycling & picnics.  The seaside is ideal for a gathering of friends having fun, paddling, swimming, making sand castles and then to top it all off sunset bbq's on the beach, there's something quite beautiful and special about the light of the setting sun on the beach and I think this is going to be one of my favourite memories from this summer time.

As for attractions, we are a family of season ticket holders for Paultons Theme Park so we spend many an afternoon there for just a couple of hours doing a few of the rides and the splash park, the kids always really enjoy it.  
This year we re-visited Furzey Gardens, which we went to a few years back when Isabelle was probably about Sophie's age now.  They both really enjoyed the search for fairies and fairy doors, which Isabelle had no memory of from the first time.  We managed to find about 32 out of 38 which was pretty good going.  It's a great place for young & old, the whole place has a magical and tranquil feel about it.  

We also fitted in a couple of brand new things this summer too, we managed to get reduced tickets to Snowtrax through Wave105, this was great fun.  I had looked at doing it before but had never actually got round to it.  We did the Ringos & Skibobs, they are both very different ways of getting down the slope but both really great fun, the ringos are like big round tyre inner tubes basically that you sit in and get launched down the slope.  Then the skibobs are like sit on trikes but with ski's on the bottom rather than wheels and you steer them down the slope.  The ringos are quicker and more thrilling but the skibobs are more controllable.   Then when you have finished there is a great log cabin style eating & drinking area which all adds to the experience, you can almost imagine you are on the side of a snowy ski slope somewhere in the Alps.  


The other new place we visited was Longleat, again it didn't cost much as we used our Tesco points for it.  It was an awesome day out, the weather was great and it isn't that far from us really, just over an hour away.  It is probably the best attraction I have been to that involves animals, other than our safari trip to the Kruger National Park, SA.  We got there literally just as it opened and we did the drive round safari bit first, this was great and I got some great shots of the lions. 

 I really liked the giraffe area too as it's a raised platform over a valley which means that you are strangely at eye level with the giraffes.  Also in this area there was an African village which included tribal dancing and the start of the Deadly 60 safari.  This kept the kids busy looking for clues in all the enclosures to make a secret code at the end, a great bit of added fun for them.  Once we had done the safari we parked the car and wondered round all the other bits.  It is so large that you do struggle to fit it all in in 1 day, but we did, just.  There is a train ride, boat trip on the lake to see the old silverback gorilla on his island, a massive play area, the Deadly 60 Challenge, a maze, falconry display, animal handling, all sorts of animals in different enclosures, and also the house & gardens.  A truely great day for all of us and we would certainly go back again.  My kids are still talking about it loads.



In addition to this we visited the Bournemouth Air Show on the beach.  This is a great weekend event that takes place every year and includes everyones favourite planes doing thier stuff but the real surprise this year was the Night Air.  They had a fantastic early evening Flying Circus Display which was basically 2 planes display flying but with fireworks coming off thier wings, really really effective and at the same time there was a concert on the beach which carried on till late.  A great day & nights entertainment all for free. 

The other thing that we managed to do during the holidays was a couple of camping trips, these are always great fun as we go with several friends and their children and it's just laughter, fun, bbq's and beer - what more can you ask for? 

So looking back at this summer and the school holiday period we have had a fantastic summer.  We have spent lots of time with all our great friends either out and about or at home having bbq's in the back garden and just making the most of what we have around us.  We have had many, many laughs at each other and with each other, created lasting memories, friendships and new traditions and I do feel really lucky with what we have and what we've done - long may it last. 

Mel
Acorns of Lyndhurst B&B
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