January 18, 2024
The most secret part of Chanticleer is the entrance to Bell’s Woodland, located behind the colorful logging garden (which will be in my next post). The plant list for that is tucked inside a metal sculpture of a hornet’s nest hanging from a tree – worth a double take before reaching for it each time. So creative!
This is part 9 of my visit to Chanticleer during the Philadelphia Area Fling last September.
You enter this garden through an Alice in Wonderland experience where you shrink down to the size of a rabbit, passing through a huge fallen tree. It is man-made, but beautifully life-like. Placing pockets on the sides and top creates the effect of nature colonizing the fallen tree.
The light in the forest garden was so contrasting that I didn’t get many good pictures. But I have to share this bench hidden behind a trellis with vines, where a woman sat quietly looking at the stream.
I love how Chanticleer sets up these little seating options, like this Adirondack perched at the end of a narrow bridge along the creek. Forest throne.
A conversation spot appears where the path widens into a circular stone terrace with a large bowl of water in the middle.
The water reflects the trees like a dark mirror.
From there, the path leads over meandering Bell’s Creek to a more open, sun-dappled garden.
A round pond with a frog fountain forms the focal point of the route.
Lavender flowers were conspicuous in the sunken garden.
Close-up
A view of a stone-lined stream under a pine branch
In another wooded area at the other end of Bell’s Creek, you enter a striking path of slate tiles (I think) laid on the edge.
I have always admired this intimate spiral courtyard along a slate path.
A starburst of slate and stone is inset into the path as it winds its way to the steps along the creek.
Totally charming and harmonious with the fern forest.
Take a wider view
And one more. I love it!
Next up: flowers, vegetables and fun at Chanticleer’s cutting and vegetable garden. For a review of Chanticleer’s Mysterious Garden of Ruins, click here:
To read about my past visits to Bell’s Woodland and Bell’s Creek in Chanticleer, follow these links:
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