Dulwich beauties: part 2

A garden with focal points... from the charming Monet-style summer house and bridge with a little pond full of lily-pads, to a magnificent willow as a centre piece, and a pretty gazebo near which a local orchestral played folky tunes to a gathering audience. All in all: a stunning 2 acre garden in the heart of Dulwich, open for one afternoon this month in support of Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. To fit in with the exceptionally green surroundings, I'm wearing my Marimekko print dress, designed by Mika Piirainen, topped with a vintage woolly cardi, a big bright basket (from that collection I keep going on about), Thierry Lasry sunnies, Jessica Walker earrings and some knock-out Paul Smith shoes, which are surprisingly comfy.

*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community

Dulwich beauties: part 1

Earlier in the summer, one of the loveliest gardens in Dulwich, south London, opened its gate for the first time in five years, in aid of charity, Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. The latter was involved in supporting the open garden scheme featured in my Garden Safari. Continuing the theme, I wore my 'wild-life' Timberland dress, with green accessories and my '50s clutch from Hong Kong, adorned with an embroidered dragon and elephants in bone, purchased in Lewes, from Cliffe Antiques Centre.

*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community

Garden Safari

What better proposition on a Sunday afternoon, in south London, than to embark upon a safari? A Garden Safari, that is, celebrating 'hidden gems and unexpected delights' within the environs of Sydenham Hill. A handful of charming private gardens opened their gates to the paying public, in aid of Dulwich Helpline & Southwark Churches Care*. I found perfect resting spots in each one, between woodland and herbaceous border, 'twixt organic vegetable patch and free-range chicken run, at the end of which I enjoyed a cup of tea and a home-made cake. Sporting a 'wild-life' dress from Timberland, (last seen in 'It's a jungle out there... or rather in here'), I wore more green accessories from the livid African beads and floral enamel ring, to a favourite pair of forest-green wedges from Menorca's c doux, purchased at Stella C. The clutch is '50s Hong Kong, adorned with an embroidered dragon and elephants in bone, and a recent purchase in Lewes, from Cliffe Antiques Centre.  
*DHSCC provides friendship, practical help and emotional support to isolated older people in the community