Powerscourt, Dublin

Another beautiful garden

partly Italian style

laid out with

stunning views of Sugarloaf,

the Wicklow hills.

iPhone Camera, processed in Snapseed

Ancient beech

Hipstamatic, Jane Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Japanese Garden

Hipstamatic, Loftus Lens, DC Film

Long shadows across the lawn.

Hipstamatic, Jane Lens, D-Type Plate Film

Clouds and Angels

iPhone Camera, processed in Snapseed

Villa Gamberaia, Florence, Tuscany

Nothing can prepare you for the breathtaking magnificence of the scene.
You have climbed the hill to Settignano, continued upwards to the Villa Gamberaia,

walked down the drive and arrived at the terrace.

To the right is a stunning view over the valley of the Arno,

containing the jewel that is Florence,

the dome of the Duomo, unmistakable.

Brunelleschi's famed architecture forever a symbol of the city.

The historic city is perfectly framed by a stone pine and a low wall interspersed

with sculptures of urns and dogs, forever on watch.

The design of house and garden in this hilltop setting

is a sublime meeting of art, architecture and nature.

One feels truly awed at the wonders and perfection before you.

All images

Hipstamatic, Jane Lens, Kodot XGrizzled Film

Tower House gardens

The sun shone strongly and warmed the old stone in this ancient spot, the gardens roll away towards the distant hills.

Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Ina's 1969 Film

At the edge of the gardens stood these silver birches, tall, thin and elegant trees,
watching over the fields of barley.
Hipstamatic, John S Lens, Claunch 72 Monochrome Film