Spring Round-up

I always feel that Spring is really giving way to summer when the magnolias start to drop their petals, the cherries put on their coat of young leaves, and the boldest of the wisteria buds open their eyes a crack to see whether it's time to signal the others to come out.

So, with a light frost last night reminding us that we're never far from a relapse, here is a pictorial round up of the beautiful spring we've had.

Grape Hyacinth and Cherries

Here it comes...

Spring Opening 2015

We welcomed our first visitors of the year last week.

 Although there may not be much flora above ground yet, thanks to the sunshine on Easter Monday the garden showed Harold Peto's strength of design.

 In April, we are offering our visitors a little 'thank you'.  When you purchase entry to the garden this month, you'll get a ticket to come back later in the season without charge.  So why not take advantage of this opportunity to see the garden in the early season as well as later in the summer?  (Not available in conjunction with any other offer)

 (Above: Arum Lily in Loggia Pond)

(Above and Below: Cherry Blossom above the main lawn)

  More cherry blossom in the low spring evening sunlight

Our first Peacock Butterfly for the year.

  (Below: our rather large cercidiphyllum clothed in a bronzed chiffon gown of buds)

Magnolia flourishes

One of my personal favourites (mainly because I see it in the morning from my bedroom window), is currently giving us a glorious display.  So sad that magnolias are so susceptible to cold weather and browning off in a frost - and with High pressure approaching, we might have seen it at its best already this year.

Some Signs of Spring

Some pictorial signs of spring appearing.  Undeniably weird weather, and we desperately need rain...