I don't know if it's already been mentioned but Hampton Court Castle near Leominster is well worth a visit. We were there earlier today and it's absolutely beautiful. Looking at the number of plants still in bud it will be even better in a few weeks time. No photos taken.
Should you find yourself in Dublin with half a day to spare, I can recommend the botanic gardens - particularly if, like me, you like to read plant labels. It's used by horticulture students, and the beds around the Palm House are laid out by botanical family, which is interesting if you're in to that kind of thing...
It's a big site, with lots of mature trees to sit under - or inside -
Couldn't resist a photo of "my" tree:
I was "adopted" by a Californian lady for part of my visit. Fortunately we were on the same wavelength! Here she's examining Quercus suber, the cork oak.
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
More about the Dublin botanic garden - new visitor centre has a good cafe and clean loos. But it's only open until 5pm, which seems very early in summer. However... there were some gorgeous flowers too:
Bletilla - hardy orchid
Echium wildpretii
Zantedeschia
Tropaeolum polyphyllum
Since 2019 I've lived in east Clare, in the west of Ireland.
We went to Peter Beales Classic Roses today for their Rose Festival. It was beautiful, hard to believe that there is only one gardener doing all the weeding, mowing, edging etc.
The red one on this arch is Chevy Chase. I planted one on our rose arch in April.
This is Mannington Mauve Rambler.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
We went to Westonbirt Arboretum when we stayed with OH's niece for the weekend. Almost wondered whether to put it on walks as niece said we'd walked about 5 miles! It's a tree garden I suppose, not really a flower garden. OH took his electric buggy. Niece wears a watch that tells you how far you've walked.
The tall tree trunk is a Picea Abies, Christmas tree. Shows what could happen if you plant one in the garden.
We just missed the rhododendrons, would have been beautiful, and we were far too early for the gorgeous autumn colour.
Dordogne and Norfolk. Clay in Dordogne, sandy in Norfolk.
It sounds strange but l never thought about visiting Westonbirt at other times of the year @Busy-Lizzie. We've always visited in the Autumn. It does look lovely, and The Gruffalo of course
@Busy-Lizzie, I used to visit Westonbirt regularly when my parents were alive, as they lived about an hour away. My mum loved it so much that we sponsored one of the benches in her name when she died. It's lovely seeing your pics, I have a grand nephew who loves the Gruffalo, we might have to arrange a visit.
I've never been to Westonbirt, but an arboretum is my idea of heaven. Restful, shady, and definitely cool at this time of year. Thank you for the photos, @Busy-Lizzie
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It's a big site, with lots of mature trees to sit under - or inside -
Couldn't resist a photo of "my" tree:
I was "adopted" by a Californian lady for part of my visit. Fortunately we were on the same wavelength! Here she's examining Quercus suber, the cork oak.
Bletilla - hardy orchid
Echium wildpretii
Zantedeschia
Tropaeolum polyphyllum
And finally - the monster! Be afraid, very afraid those of you with wisterias! It was enormous and looked to be crushing the stone pillar.
The red one on this arch is Chevy Chase. I planted one on our rose arch in April.
This is Mannington Mauve Rambler.
The tall tree trunk is a Picea Abies, Christmas tree. Shows what could happen if you plant one in the garden.
We just missed the rhododendrons, would have been beautiful, and we were far too early for the gorgeous autumn colour.
It does look lovely, and The Gruffalo of course
Thank you for the photos, @Busy-Lizzie