Greenway Bank

Last week I had a walk in solitude round Greenway Bank Country Park near Biddulph. The bluebells were just starting to emerge but still lots of colour with yellow celandines and marsh marigolds and white wood anemones. When the sun shines April is magical. I enjoyed the extra loop up to Gawton's stone, then descended to the Waterfall walk which reminds me of the levadas on Madeira.

These ducks caught my eye initially as a pair of bookends until they moved. Note Mrs Mallard following Mr Mallard!

Rode Hall Market

Bank holiday Monday we decided to visit Rode Hall gardens , situated a few miles from home and what a treat it was with the early rhododendrons and magnolias in bloom and only a handful of people around. In complete contrast to the monthly market there on the first Saturday in the month where there are about a thousand cars. This month we were entertained by the Black Dog Molly Dancers from where else but Stoke on Trent. I am thinking of entering this photo for a competition entitled 'Eccentric Britain'!

Yet More Daffodils

This Easter Saturday we visited Clonterbrook Farm daffodils. A public footpath runs a short distance through the wood where the farmer has planted hundreds of different types of daffodils. These follow on after the snowdrops and then there is the delight of bluebells later in May. Over the years I have visited this area many times but this year I was blown away by the light on the white variety at the far end. We had a field day with the cameras!

Daffodils

Every year I like to grow different sorts of daffodils.

This is an unusual one with a split corona that I thought was Cassata but on looking in the catalogue it looks like Belcanto? I bought it 2 years ago and dont seem to have made a record at the time. Then again the bulb firm could have got it wrong so I'll have to order Cassata next autumn to check. Who cares anyway they are all gorgeous!

Family outing

Last Saturday 28 March was the 7th anniversary of Tony's departure from this earth. We had our annual pilgrimage to his memorial gate and seat near Leek. As usual the weather was very cold but we managed to make the ascent and take photos before it rained. In fact this year we had a flurry of hail stones before we bid a retreat to the warmth of The Abbey pub and a superb meal together.

Jamie, Tracy, Graham, Allison, Simon, Sophia and Victoria

Special Hellebore

This is a Hellebore called 'Betty Ranacor'. I have waited 5 years for it to flower after purchase.

It has 8 flowers and resides in the courtyard outside my kitchen door. I have just had this area revamped with a membrane and pebbles. Black/purple hellebores have spread here too, which are wonderful when the light catches the petals.

Winter Flowers

ODE TO THE WITCH HAZEL

Each day I shuffle down the broken path
Just to inhale your sharp lemony fragrance.
Soother of rheumy eyes.
My interest sustained by delicate flowers of filigree
On knarled old branches.
Zest of my youth long gone.