The Hesco Garden

Leeds is full of secrets, wonder, adventure. You just have to keep your nose to the ground and your eyes wide open, up to the skies, peeled for paths and follow the scent when you smell it. I feel sometimes as though I've barely scratched the surface. We live on an iceberg, with hoards hidden underneath, waiting patiently to be stumbled upon. A few weeks ago, I was treated to such a find - it wasn't my discovery, it was shared with me, and so I am sharing it here.

Did you know that we are the only city that has award winning Chelsea Gardens, that you can visit and gaze upon, entirely for free? Neither did I. Literally just a hop, skip and a jump away from Tropical World there is the Hesco Garden, where there are three beautiful Chelsea Gardens on display. You wander down a wooded, leafy path, complete with bees, butterflies, and picnic tables, and enter a secretive space, beautiful and peaceful. Considering it's but a minute from the main road, it's concealed and feels so wonderfully private.

Of course, visiting this space, you'll have to use your imagination to enjoy it for longer than 20 minutes. It's only a small area, so depending on how long you enjoy looking at flowers and gardens, it may only entertain you briefly. But say, with a guitar in hand, a pen and paper, a watercolour set, a camera, a few chatty friends, or simply the clouds, this is a precious place to soak in. If you've not been, I hope I've shared something that you'll seek out after chasing meerkats with your eyes, or the dog on the park. And I hope you enjoy the moment.