The Gardens Of Selwyn College

Just behind Selwyn College's Chapel there are gardens to explore. These were laid out in the Victorian era, soon after the college was founded, so the gardens and particularly the trees have had time to mature into the lovely retreat we can wander through today.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                 Now, I think we have to venture through this gate and descend the steps....

From the lawn at the base of the steps you can look across to the rather prosaically-named "Victorian Beds".

That shadow which you can see encroaching at the bottom right is being cast by one of the corner spires of the Chapel.

There's a wonderful display of Dahlias at this time of year. We now take them to be "typically English" but they originally came from Mexico where they were eaten as food (!). Apparently the gardener stores the tubers under the Chapel to over-winter.

As you wander around the bed you'll find it's an "island-bed" in that it's completely surrounded by lawns. From the far side there's a view back to the Chapel, which misleadingly looks as though it's atop a high hill from this angle. The island-bed also starts to look as though it's a tropical island! 

The garden also has a pond whose mirrored surface was reflecting the summer skies....

....at least it was till the interfering foot of the photographer produced these lovely ripples.

Turning back to our island I investigated the gravel path leading through this tropical wonderland. Could this really be in Cambridge, England?

I'm not sure how I could have lived all my life in this area without ever visiting, or even hearing about, this wonderful place. If you ever visit Cambridge and want to see for yourself you'll find it's not far from the touristy areas and is right next to Newnham College which we also visited recently. Incidentally don't be misled by a nearby residential street called Selwyn Gardens.

Take care.