The Pet Paddock

You've probably figured out by now that most things at Struan Farm have names. This includes all of the paddocks around the property, something undoubtedly done originally so that the sheep and cattle could be moved around and kept track of.

The paddock closest to our main entrance at the Homestead and gardens is called "The Pet Paddock," since this is where pet lambs were/are kept so they can be (conveniently) bottle fed from the Homestead.

John's sister Anna reminded us this weekend that it was once three separate paddocks, one of which was called "Susan's Southdown Stud" where she raised Southdown sheep and kept her pet lambs (I also learned her middle name is Susan!). The second was where the riding ring was set up with striped wooden poles and tea tree fences as jumps.

There are also "The Bull Paddock," "The River Paddock," "The Pond Paddock" and "The Cottage Paddock," amongst others. Most have location specific names so that just about anyone could find them without difficulty. Practical, not particularly inspired or romantic. That being said, on part of the original farm property there was an area called the "Never Nevers," which to me sounds far more adventurous and conjures up visions of Peter Pan. (I don't want to grow up, I don't want to grow up, not me!)

For years the Pet Paddock was dominated by a row of huge poplars that along with similar trees across the road created an avenue effect on this section of the Main Highway. Apparently it was a landmark for anyone coming to visit Struan Farm.

While a number of the poplars are now gone, the paddock remains home to a variety of majestic trees. The inhabitants include Oaks:

A Chestnut, which had a mishap a few years ago and split in half, but is still rather imposing. When it flowers I sniffle and sneeze ferociously, like right now:

A huge Ginkgo that turns a brilliant gold in autumn:

Two Walnuts, who share their bounty in autumn:

John and I checked our tree reference books to make sure that these are indeed Swamp Cypress. The botanical name is Taxodium, which means "like a yew." I especially love the textural trunks:

After installing recycled french doors on the side of the Homestead that looks out onto that side of the garden, and after several sunset dinners looking out across to the trees in the evening light, we've decided to open up the view to those trees a bit more.