Bluebells and Azaleas

A bright but chilly start to the May Bank Holiday weekend with temperatures only just above freezing. After seeing many inspirational photos recently from friends of the bluebell displays around the South East, it prompted me to drive over to the National Trust’s Winkworth Arboretum with my camera.

Probably just in time too, as the helpful lady at the entrance was saying that this was probably the last weekend for the bluebells.

There were plenty of bluebells still to see and admire.  Often the camera just doesn’t do the carpet of blue justice.

The blooming azaleas were  stunningly magnificent in their white and pinks.

Bluebells

Spring is in the air and the bluebells are making an appearance.

These shots were taken last Monday when we visited the Bluebell Railway.

A touch of dutch

Sharing a little touch of dutch today from the Tulip Festival at  Polesden Lacey (which run from mid-April to early May).

Inspired by photographs friends have been sharing of their recent trip to Holland and not to left out in sharing in the colour and beauty of this springs tulips I grabbed a couple of picture with my mobile phone.

With all the strange weather we have been having, not all the tulips are out so there is probably much more to see from this festival of flowers.

We were also very lucky not to get caught in the rain, enjoying a pleasant stroll around the gardens.

Magnolias at the Radcliffe

I have been desperate to get my camera out this spring to try to capture the magnolia blooms, but up until now I haven’t managed to.  Todays trip Oxford presented me with a perfect opportunity, these gorgeous blooms with the Radcliffe Camera in the background.  It couldn’t get any better.

Good Friday walk

We took a lovely long walk along the canal this afternoon.  It’s been such a long time since we have been down there.  It was busy on the canal with people out either on their narrow boats or walking or cycling along the tow path.

Starting our walk at Bower Lock, we walked north towards Send.  Walking along side Sutton Place, it was quite surprising to see one of the water meadows completely flooded despite the south east being in drought.

Spring yellow

A sunny but chilly start to Sunday.   Spring is certainly here!

Easter is just around the corner and I am decorating the house with these beautiful bright yellow blossoms.

 

Sunny faces

To compensate for the lack of sunny weather we have been having, I thought I would share these sunny Michaelmas daisies.

With their bright, sunny faces, I hope these flowers make for a cheery afternoon.

White and Blue {036/365}

Happy Easter to everyone!
I hope you have had a peaceful Sunday and a chance to relax and unwind.

After a quiet and dull start this morning, the sun is now shining and it is turned into yet another beautiful and very warm spring afternoon. Took a moment this afternoon to grab my camera and pop out into the garden to capture more of the wild flowers that have taken root in our borders. (We would be sat out in the garden but the neighbours are creosoting their fences this afternoon and the smell is terrible.)

I have no idea what these semi patriotic flowers are (all we are missing are some red ones), but they keep appearing in and around our garden. Any ideas?

Bluebells {033/365}

It’s spring and the bluebells are appearing in the woods in and round Surrey. So this morning we made a visit to Chantry Woods  to try to capture some of the beauty of spring.

The woods were carpeted with these gorgeous little blue flowers, though I am not sure my little digital camera was able to fully capture the stunning colours.

I found it incredibly difficult to capture a decent close-up shot of these flowers.

Macro Friday {025/365}

I can’t believe it’s April already, where has the time gone.   I bought these pastel coloured tulips to brighten up the house.