Marigolds in the small gardens lovingly created amid the ruins of Sandown castle (11/10/2020)
A few years ago (photo 2010 by Oast House Archive) the footprint of Sandown castle marked a fairly definite, if boring end to Deal promenade.
Now there is a lovingly tended, brightly planted Community Garden within its stone outline.
Sandown Castle gardens are now a hub of activity. Dog-walkers start the trek to Sandwich along the storm defenses here. Runners catch their breath, admiring the view, before heading back to town. Families sit in the shelter of its foundations enjoying a break in the gardens. There was even a mobile coffee outlet when we got there.
The dense planting has been kept low (possibly a requirement?) and is colourful and seaside appropriate (salt tolerant etc). For example, this Seaside daisy (Erigeron glaucus), which is weaves between the marigolds, has been flowering forever and has plenty more blooms to give.
This is the view northwards from the castle, including the requisite planted up boat, lobster pots and buoys. The boat has just been filled with new wallflowers, ready for the spring. Those birds hurtling through the shot are goldfinches, off to look for seeds in the rough areas on the golf course.
Information board giving the history of the rise (Henry VIII) and fall (or dismantling in 1863) of Sandown castle
Frogend dweller's Blog 
You were in my neck of the woods!
Hi Sam! Yes indeed, my MIL lives in Deal and we hadn’t seen her in ages. Brilliant weather on Sunday for the seaside too. Hope you are keeping well.
Bearing up, thanks. Hope you are too.
Now that is a good use of that barren land! Lovely and inspiring.
Yes, good vibes and cheerful sight.
Great photos. Thanks for sharing!
🙂 Thank you!