not-so-grave walk to roath park




In the conservation area of Cathays Cemetery

I often find old cemeteries peaceful places. In Toronto, one of the most serene spots in that city is the old Necropolis Cemetery near Riverview Farm, not far from where I lived.

Here, not far from where I live is Cathays Cemetery, much larger than the Necropolis and equally contemplative. When it was developed in Victorian times it was the custom to use it as a public park. Today, part of the oldest section is treated as a conservation area. Partly to cut costs, but also to return those parts to their original look of wildflowers and meadlowland before lawn cutting, the area is cut back by hand in fall and allowed to go 'wild' the rest of the year.

(Also, in the winter it is a good place to nab some errant holly.)

 




Roath Park Lake

I've been to nearby Roath Park twice and each time have taken the circuitous trip through the cemetery. It's not my favourite city park though. It's lovely and popular with the locals, but it's a long, narrow structured strip dissected by roads with the sound of traffic present all the time. It feels as if it is in a big city, and Cardiff is not a big city like Toronto or New York. I prefer Bute Gardens in the City Centre, which is more open and quieter -- but sometimes you want the bustle and greenery at the same time.







Boathouse

   




Roath Park brook

   





March of the daffodils