Dysfunctional Planner

Discovering beautiful places

I have always thought that Rainham was a bit of a shit hole, apologies Rainham. It’s surrounded by lots of flats and warehouses and generally appears a bit gray and soulless. I should have known that every ugly has a beauty and Rainham village is adorable. Beautiful buildings, independent shops little pubs and the jewel on the crown: Rainham hall.

It’s pure magic.

I didn’t take any photos of the front but the buildings and gardens are a triump and I discovered new plants I wanted to eat, steal and grow from seed. The gardens are run by volunteers so I didn’t touch the plants.

It was a perfect day to stroll around and appreciate the beauty and planning of this garden. I loved every corner even the bits that weren’t finished because a garden is always at a stage.

The Irises were out in full glory and I realise that the ones I planted didn’t make it which is sad. I will try again after the house is done but I definitely need irises in my garden. Perhaps under my Apple trees!

A new flower I fell in love with and need in my garden is “black stockings”, looked a bit like verbena bonariensis but pink and bigger. It was a beauty.

Also a different magnolia which was heavenly. I could have spent hours exploring and because it’s a national trust with a coffee shop I will definitely be back.

They care about the future, creating biodiversity, letting some parts grow wild, huge crate towers for creature safety and shelter. They were even trialing a drought resistant garden for our scorching summer months we seem to be having each year.

It’s a perfect place to escape to and appreciate.

A pure gem. that is truly appreciated by all who work there and visit. I was inspired by a lot especially all the pathways and hidden gems.

You should never trust a book by its cover and this is the perfect example of getting it right. There was so much to see and smell and photograph.

Have you been?