26 October 2026

Meadlands colour


It has been quite a while since I regularly walked my boys to The Russell School along Meadlands Drive (or through The Copse) and it is nice to revisit it for those memories and for gardens like this one.

25 October 2026

EY22 HFN


Battered box


I was intrigued by the work going on on Ham Parade over a couple of days and very unimpressed in the result. The box is ugly, blocks a lot of the pavement and is battered. 

After all the efforts Ham Parade Market have done in recent years to improve Ham Parade and boost its appeal this is a big step backwards.

24 October 2026

Keep The Passageway Clear


It could be argued that a polite request would be better than an instruction but I am more interested in why there is a sign there at all as this short path off Murray Road goes nowhere.

23 October 2026

SF11 MKO


Lovely shrubs


Just as Dysart Avenue, Kingston joins Burnell Avenue, Richmond, there is this delightful garden showing what can be done without a lawn or traditional flower beds.

22 October 2026

Riverside trees


Landscaping is one of the defining features of Ham and these trees alongside Riverside Drive are a good example of that. It is always a pleasure to walk along here.

21 October 2026

Little Orchard wall


I think the entrance to Bute Avenue looked better when Little Orchard had bushes in front of its boundary wall and my admiration for the new wall is tainted by that comparison. It is a nice characterful wall with uneven bricks and two slight turns both of which help to soften the impact. It is just a shame that the hedges have gone.

20 October 2026

A good compromise


While many home owners make way for their cars by covering the whole of their front garden with a hard surface, this house in Dysart Avenue shows a better way to do things. 

The parking area is limited in size, is an interesting shape and is flanked by good planting. The small fences at the front and the path to the door are nice too.