It has a very special atmosphere due to the relaxed style of gardening that gives a freedom to the planting, which is both exuberant and informal. The garden, which has been featured on Television and in books is loved by many people, who visit it time and time, again for its beauty, colour and scents.

Chesters Walled Garden has one of the largest accumulations of herbs in the UK and is home to the National Collections of both Thyme and Marjoram. This herb garden has medicinal, culinary, aromatic and dye herbs. The Roman Herb Garden displays the herbs that were grown here during the Roman Occupation. The famous Thyme Banks becomes a Persian carpet of colour during the summer.

The garden has a series of Knot gardens a features a selection of blowsy, really old-fashioned roses.

Chesters Walled Garden displays flower-filled borders that last well into the autumn with grasses, seed heads and rose hips.

The site has always been run organically and it attracts a great diversity of wildlife. Northumberland is the last stronghold of the red squirrel in England and many of these delightful creatures can be seen in the surround woodlands.

It has a specialist nursery, which sells a wide range of herbs and unusual herbaceous plants. It offers wildflowers and old-fashioned roses from David Austin. Many of the rarer plants that are offered for sale can be seen growing at Chesters Walled Garden.

The Old Potting Shed Shop offers a tempting selection of vegetable seeds, terracotta pots and other gifts for gardeners, cards that have been hand-made by local artists, jams and honeys as well as ice creams and fruit drinks for those hot days. There are interesting and informative talks and garden tours available for groups by prior arrangement

Chesters Walled Garden is open from 10:00 to 17:00 daily from March to October with reduced opening times during the winter months.

The garden is situated off the B6318 road near Chollerford in North Tynedale. More information can be obtained from 01434 681483

Whether I travel for work or vacation, I like to feel what it feels like to live there. If I'm staying in a hotel, I long to sneak a peek at what kind of home the average poor and middle class people live in. What do they eat for dinner? How early do they get up for work? How long is their workday? What do they do for fun? What kind of bed do they sleep in?

Anywhere in the UK, the lifestyle doesn't seem too different from here in the US or Canada. The main language is English, and it's not a third world country. And as much as they embrace American music and movies, they have their own culture to be proud of and to love and consume (unlike some other parts of the world eat up American products).

The people are so genuinely NICE! It's not a naivety, although it almost feels like it. They have a good, honest outlook on life with respect for others. Without certain jadedness I've come to expect.

What a refreshing way to communicate on a regular basis.

They have very good tea.

And eggs fresh out of the chicken into the corner grocery.

Cheeeese....

Single malt scotch.

Ale.

Haggis? Yes, I tried it. Twice. I liked it better the first time. Probably because it was a smaller dose with the sides oftatties and neeps.

Their 10 pence coins are easily mistaken for quarters (and these days are worth close to the same). That’s an issue right now for Americans and Canadians. A lunch that costs £7 is what we might pay here, if it were $7. But with the dollar what it is these days on the world market, it turns into a $15 lunch.

That puts hotel rooms at $300-$400 a night. So, if you live and work in the UK, it's not really a different cost of living. But visiting is another story.

I took some tours. The bus tour out to the boat tour of the "Firth of Forth" was £15. Comparable to a three-hour similar excursion here, $15 was appropriate. In fact, for me, it cost over $30. Now, was I going to let that hold me back? NO! Because, who knows if and when I would ever be back to see and learn something about this place again? I also took all four-city bus tours, a couple of them twice. Between different tour guides and my concentration, I learned different things.

The Dogs of Edinburgh

There doesn't seem to be a leash law (at least enforced) in the city. Along with all the people walking on the sidewalks, there were dogs moving along, unattended by a human, hugging the buildings, knowing enough about survival to stay away from the cars that were obviously driving on the wrong side of the road… These dogs had places to go, dogs to see. It wasn't a stretch to see them with a briefcase trotting along Wall St. (OK, it wasn't a stretch for ME).

I never saw one dogfight or a dog/human altercation. Of the 200 or so dogs I saw, four were on leashes. The whole month I was there I saw one pile of dog poop where it should have been cleaned up. The dog must have forgotten his pooper-scooper that day.

The Cats of Edinburgh

Cats are cats. They seem to have it together wherever they live. I didn't see them behind restaurant dumpers scavenging. Mostly they lurked and lounged in neighborhood yards full of flowers. And birds. I assume they were well fed. The birds were happy (while always on the lookout for those cats) flying in and out of those flowers. With the frequent light rain in August they are thriving and oh, so colorful. Colourful, spelled the UK way.

The Flowers of Edinburgh

You traditional folk musicians may know of the popular fiddle tune “The Flowers of Edinburgh”. It was one of the first I learned to play. One night a bunch of us went down to a classic Scottish pub where there’s a big jam session with fiddles, accordions, guitars, harmonicas, and more. Most of the people there were locals. Over the years of playing music and traveling I’ve learned about the great similarities - and differences – of regional folk music. “The Flowers of Edinburgh” has transcended many borders. We stumbled on to this tune to play as one we all knew. I had the sudden realization of why that song was written and passed down. It was more than just a folk tune. It had a beautiful meaning!

I’ve come to find out that Edinburgh, Scotland is many people’s favorite city in the world. It has everything that a big city needs and still keeps a small town atmosphere. There’s no comparing it toNew York, or Singapore, or Prague. Not because it doesn’t stand up, far from it. All of these cities have their own, distinct personality. It’s that Edinburgh’s personality has a oneness to it like no other.

Bird Watching

Bird watching here is good if you want to be here early. Spring and fall migrations are also good times.

Plants and Flowers

The botanical life here is spectacular!! It is amazing for people who live in the city and don't see many plants and flowers.

Food

The food here is pricy, but it's worth the money if you are going to be there for awhile.

Overall

A great one day vacation. If you are visiting Chicago or the area, it's a great place to stop.

Those Who Cook Together Stay Together

Cook up the perfect meal at The Wooden Spoon (5047 N. Clark; 773-293-3190). Try their special couples cooking class where you'll prepare the meal together and share the romantic meal afterwards. Talk about some real bonding time. On the menu is Clams Casino, Osso Bucco with Red Wine Cabbage and Oven-Roasted Root Vegetables and Mango Soufflé with Tropical Fruit Coulis. You'll score huge points for this one (hint, hint guys).

Wine Me, Dine Me

If you're really looking to impress, take that special person to The Signature Room (875 N. Michigan Ave.; 312-878-9596). Located on the 95th floor of the Hancock Building, you'll let them know that they are as special as their surroundings. Say “I love you” Italian style at Via Due Enoteca (1417 W. Fullerton Ave; 773-348-9463). Enjoy their fabulous wine bar and share some spaghetti and you'll both be screaming “Mama Mia.” Café Iberico (739 N. Lasalle Dr; 312-573-1510) will please your palate. Most of their dishes are small and meant to share. Feed your dearest dishes like Champinones A La Plancha; Grilled mushrooms with garlic and olive oil and Calamares A La Plancha; Grilled squid with olive oil, garlic and lemon juice and you'll be closer than ever.

Sky Write Your Love

The Schaumburg Airport, just a short drive from the city offers scenic tours of Chicago. This one will really surprise them. It's a little pricey ($262 per couple) but it will be worth every penny when you see the look on their face when they find out they will be taking a helicopter tour of Chicago. You'll see the Loop in a way you've never seen it before (905 W. Irving Park Rd, Schaumburg; 877-474-3127).

Ride Old Fashioned Style

Chicago is a beautiful city. What better way to see it than by taking a horse and carriage ride with your loved one. JC Cutter's (1-888-664-6014) offers 30 minute, 45 minute and one hour tours. Prices range from $40-$100. It doesn't matter how long you've been with your significant other; it'll be perfect as you stroll through the city in a classy carriage and visit the best highlights of downtown Chicago such as Buckingham Fountain, Grant Park and fabulous lakefront views. This could be a great way to propose and something you'll never forget.

Escape on a Tropical Getaway

Stop by the trendy Lincoln Park Massage Spa (630 W Webster; 773-296-6300) and have a sweet massage with your sweetie. Upon entering you'll be pampered with a warming herbal neck wrap, flavored tea of your choice and a warming towel to refresh your hands. You may not have the time to take a tropical vacation but you'll sure feel like your on one when you step into one of their themed rooms and feel like your laying on the beach in the Caribbean as you hear the tranquil sound of waves softly crashing. Choose from massages like Swedish, deep tissue, sports, Thai and hot stone therapy. You'll both be oohing and aahing after this splendid treat.

Call it a Night

Early to Bed (5232 N. Sheridan Rd; 773-271-1219) offers everything you can think of that will make you and your darling want to hit the hay as soon as possible. Here you will find great treasures that will make your evening extra special. From fun toys to sweet smelling massage oils, you'll be sure to score. As a bonus, this classy shop offers workshops on how-to be a better flirter and teaches couples tickling techniques.

Sparkle and Shimmer

Everyone knows that the ladies love jewelry. Francesca's (2012 N. Halsted Ave; 773- 244-4075) offers reasonably priced twinkling jewelry that's sure to please. Choose from cute earrings, bracelets and necklaces. They also have a great line of clothing and accessories to match. You can't go wrong with this perky boutique. Arts and Artisans (321 N. Michigan Ave; 312-855-9220) is an elegant shop to find the perfect gift for him or her. For her, you might choose their Belladonna perfume bottle adorned with brightly colored flowers. And for him you might consider their beautifully crafted jewelry chest made of natural woods. Or make it a gift you can share together and pick up some of their beautiful stemware. Macy's (111 N. State St; 312-781-5000) is a classic store with endless ideas. Whether it's jewelry, fragrance or candy you're looking for, you can definitely make this a one stop shop.

For the Thrill Seekers

Okay, so you want something a little more exciting? Something that will literally make your heart beat faster? Oldtown Fitplex (1235 N. LaSalle; 312-640-1235) will give you daredevils a boost of excitement. Try indoor rock climbing on any of their challenging routes. You and your loved one will take your relationship to new heights. Private lessons start at $35. Get a great work out at Fleetwood Skating Rink (7321 W. Archer Ave; 708-458-0300) as you and your skate date go back in time and roll around the rink to some groovy tunes and hip fluorescent lights.
Phone: 312-541-1951

This garden is significant because it used to be a quarry and up until 1964 was an eyesore for the residents of Mount Eden and Epsom. Jack Clark, a horticulturist with vision had set about transforming this five acre blemish on the landscape into a haven for the enthusiastic gardener and a sanctuary for the birds. He and fifteen other volunteers converted the old quarry into an award winning Auckland Garden. It is a safe haven for the shy Fantails and when walking through these gardens you will see that they are very much in abundance as are the cheeky Tui birds. These gardens are a national showplace now and are maintained and developed by volunteer workers who give freely of their time and labour.

This is a map of the garden which is made up of paths whose names are a commemoration of Society members who were prominent in developing that particular area.

The terrain can be tiresome for some, as it goes up to lookouts and down steep inclines but there is a wheelchair available and access along the paths is generous. There is a drinking fountain on one of the paths and a café to sit down and enjoy the scenery and a have a tasty lunch. The facilities are very welcoming as are the people who are working here. There are plenty of seats along the way so you can sit and enjoy the birdsong and the quiet of nature. If you are into photography there are many photo opportunities to take advantage of too. It would be easy to spend some time here.

The plants of year round interest would have to be the native ferns, Rhododendron vireya,Palms, Conifers and Bromeliads. This garden has the largest and most varied collections of Camelias in the country. There are horticultural shows hosted throughout the year and of course varied seasonal attractions.

For further information about the garden go to Eden Garden.