It is now the beginning of May, and we are still in lockdown here in England. I am slowly coming to accept the new normal while mourning my old life. I used to take trips to the shops, the hairdresser or a coffee bar for granted. Now we are only supposed to leave the house for essentials, health reasons exercise or work.
A fellow blogger suggested we write a post on “awakening” looking forward not back. I hope it will coincide with the gradual reopening of our country.
Snuff Mills Bristol
Today I went for a walk to Snuff Mills which is part of the Frome Valley Riverside Walkway and close to the Stoke Park Estate. The name Snuff Mills does not come from the former use of the mill but from one of the millers. His nickname was snuffy Jack because his smock was always covered in snuff. It is, in fact, an old stone mill which was used for crushing the pennant sandstone from the many small quarries along the Frome valley. The estate was bought in 1926 by the Bristol corporation as a pleasure walk for the citizens of Bristol and the mill has been restored with help from the Fishponds local history society
The old mill has been partly restored.
My favourite part is the large community garden which is maintained by volunteers and has won lots of awards. Thanks to their skill and hard work, I could indulge my new interest in photographing flowers. It is definitely a time for vibrant colours
I have always enjoyed gardening but these last weeks have made me appreciate my garden in a new way. Now I have had time to “stand and stare” I have also had to awaken old skills as our garden centres are closed so plants have to be grown from seeds or cuttings and we have to make our own compost.
If you would like to visit Snuff Mills
There is a large car park (closed at present due to Covid 19) and a small café serving drinks and snacks. (take away only at present). Snuff Mills is part of the large Oldbury court estate with riverside and woodland walks and a huge children’s adventure playground (closed at present). It is a favourite place for dog walkers although dogs have to be kept on a lead in the community garden.
This post will be added to Terri’s Sunday stills “awakening”
10 responses to “The Snuff Mills Community Garden Bristol”
This looks like a fun place to walk and the history of the name is surprising. I assumed it was some kind of tobacco producer where they made snuff? The rReal story is better.. I’d so love to come to England. Maybe someday, it’s on my list.
Hi Anne, Snuff Mills has such an interesting history, and it’s grounds look like a lovely place to take a walk. Thanks for sharing. Pinning this.
Hi Anne – I left a comment and it disappeared – hopefully it’s in your spam folder or somewhere similar? #MLSTL
I am sorry I will check my settings.
What an interesting sounding place – and I love that there was such a pretty garden for you to walk though Anne – we certainly need as much beauty as possible during these grey days of lockdown – I’m itching to get out and about again, especially since we’ve had no new cases of the virus for several days in Western Australia – fingers crossed for some lifting of the rules soon.
Thanks for linking up with us at MLSTL and I’ve shared on my SM 😊
Such a beautiful garden, Anne. Thank you for sharing information about the mills and your lovely photos. #MLSTL
Such beautiful flowers Anne! I just love the vibrant colors. They make me smile. Thanks for sharing!
Good to have within walking distance.
Anne, this mill looks so pretty and its grounds are lovely. Gorgeous photos of the flowers, great colors and details! Seems so many other countries are very locked down. In the US, we can still go out and shop at Home Depot in their garden centers. But creativity in the garden sounds a great use of time and I’m sure it will yield wonderful results!
When I was growing up my parents grew their own plants. I think I have just got lazy over the years.