IMAGES TAKEN NEAR TO
Painswick, STROUD, GL6 6RE

A fine display of bracket fungi cling to the stem of a tall tree in the northern part of Painswick Rococo Gardens. I'm not entirely sure of the species of fungus, but if pushed I'd suggest that they are Fomes fomentarius, but they could be one of a number of polypore fungi.

A carpet of cyclamen beneath the trees to the north of Image and northwest of Image at Painswick Rococo Garden.

This maze spelling out "250" was laid out in 1998. Having managed to locate the centre (of the "5") I can report that there are plenty of opportunities to go the wrong way and have to retrace your steps - though as usual with mazes it far simpler to find one's way back out. The "250" refers to the 250th anniversary of Thomas Robins' painting of the gardens which has been the basis for much of the replanting and reconstruction of such elements as The Exedra. The maze was designed by professor Angela Newling. To see what is lurking in the middle of the maze - see Image] (or don't if you want it to be a surprise if you visit).

This little pond and water feature are at the centre of the "5" of the maze which spells "250" at Painswick Rococo Gardens. The water feature started trickling a few moments after I arrived at the centre of the maze, so I wonder if it is motion activated. See an overview of the maze here Image]

Nestled in a fold of land on the edge of the Cotswolds.

This curious structure is called The Exedra - it is an entirely modern (1990s) reconstruction of a disappeared original feature which was shown on Robins' 1748 painting of the gardens. It is a white-painted wooden screen with seven Gothic ogee arches and surmounted by a row of castellations or battlements and eight pinnacles. see also Image] Rococo Gardens EH Grade II* listing here http://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000123

The Exedra (see Image]) taken from the side and slightly behind it. The view is from the path leading to the maze.

This little circular pond is located directly in front of the curve of The Exedra - see Image] (note: the pond is not visible in that linked image). Painswick Rococo Gardens http://www.historicengland.org.uk/listing/the-list/list-entry/1000123 contain many interesting and photogenic features such as this. I like the way that the pond weed and the reflected clouds are almost indistinguishable.