Season begins on April 1st

A series of spring images to lighten the mood.  The borders remain unplanted owing to the late weather, but we anticipate the bulk of the planting will be done in late April.  The cherries on the main lawn are having a great year, the wisteria looks to be on course for late April, air-frost permitting.

We open on April 1st for the season - more info at www.ifordmanor.co.uk

 

 

Common Spotted Orchid

A photograph from Stephen, our keen-eyed land agent, of the Common Spotted-orchid (Dactylorhiza fuchsii) seen in the valley yesterday. 

For the past however many years, we have farmed the pasture land of the Iford valley with species conservation in mind.  As proud landlords to a large colony of greater horseshoe bats (and accompanying Special Site of Scientific Interest), and with part of the estate in the Cotswold Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, this valley is never going to be appropriate for intensive agriculture - and nor should it be.

You just can't feel melancholic when cherry blossom is around.  Fact.  You see, even the photo made you happier. 

 And so it is for the birds also, who have started their orchestral mutterings this week in particular with great determination, as if tuning up for the symphony to come over the coming months.

 There is something about the cherry blossom which enforces communal satisfaction.  So with that in mind, here are some images for general happiness.

 And the award for Best Supporting Actor goes to... the grape hyacinth collective

 Even the moss was aglow today, growing on today's featured cherry tree

And bizarrely, the first frond of wisteria has come out.  A bit early, I'd say.  But it's going to make for a lovely visit on Iford's first open day of the season this year:  Sunday 3rd April, 2-5pm