Return to Cressing Temple Barns today, taking my husband with me for a more leisurely visit, rather than the guided tour with the Essex Book Festival. It was good to wander around with no group, no purpose, though the guide last time was a real asset.
This time, we had a long walk through both the wheat and barley barns, the walled garden, the well-house and the courtyard. We spent almost as long in the tea-room. History, great stuff. Toastie sandwich? Yes please.
Interesting to see that I am still drawn to the plants – for dyeing, herbs, scent, eating and pleasure – while he is fascinated by the jointing in the pergolas, the brickwork in the paths and the structure of the barns themselves. Some are gardeners, and some are engineers. If we were all the same, we’d been all dull.
And yes, I came home with more plants. Couldn’t resist.
Julia Chalkley 