Travel Photographer Returns to Exbury

If you follow our blog,  you may well know by now, I am in love with these gardens and will go as many times as I can.  Sadly not as many as I'd like:(

Head Gardener's Notice Board

Your walk is always helped by the Head Gardener's notice board, with all that is a must see, if you have the time.  

I find this very informative.  My personal favourites are always the Sundial Garden, the Herbaceous border and the Hydrangea walk.

The hydrangea walk is still colourful and I actually love the hydrangeas when they begin to change in colour.

On the day I visited, the sun was in and out and at times created the most beautiful light.

You could easily spend a day here and still not see everything.  I love it!

Dahlia heaven 

I love dahlias but have never actually grown them.  That may sound a little strange but I think I'll have to take time out to learn a little about them before I get growing!  I'd be devastated to lose such beautiful blooms.

Consequently, I am always blown away by the dahlias at this time of year at Exbury.

Bees and butterflies gather here

A haven for the bees and butterflies, especially in the Sundial Garden.

I do hope the winds of late haven't done too much damage to these beauties.

Sweet potato soup with croutons and crusty bread

Well one can't visit these gardens without calling in to Mr Eddy's Restaurant ...... this soup looked so inviting I just had to try it.

Yum Yum ... I wasn't disappointed. 

For opening hours and prices visit Exbury Website
Check for dates for the Ghost Train rides and Christmas Train rides.

Thanks for visiting.  Hope to see you again soon.

Charmed by the Magic of Hillier

Whew just where did that time go?  End of January already and only one blog this year.

As the saying goes .....  

Life gets in the way of your plans!  Apologies to followers, but that's just what happened.

Time out for a little freedom

So to get away from it all, whilst Malcolm is busy working his little butt off, I decided to use the Annual Membership, bought by my son, to Sir Harold Hillier Gardens in Romsey and take time out for a little freedom away from computer, phone and other slightly stressful happenings! :)

Profusion of colour is an understatement

Bursting with Snowdrops, Winter Aconites, Syclamen, Hellebores, Dogwood, Witchhazel and miniature Iris to name but a few.  

Well to be honest these are the only ones I know or could find online! :)

Without further ado 

only images will suffice as you will see .....

I have many more images of pathways that you feel the need to explore and some of the wonderful sculptures around these gardens, but for today it is the most amazing colours that I wanted to show you.

Food glorious food

After the walk, which was a little on the cold side, I was in need of a little warming soup.

The cafe here is welcoming and the menu is very tempting, but I still opted for the soup, which was served with a generous helping of crusty bread.  Delicious.

And with a fabulous view over the gardens you can sit and eat, savour and drink in this amazing experience.

As you can see I was charmed by the magic of Hillier :)

There is always plenty to see and lots of events, art classes etc here at Hillier and a great place for kids to let off steam in the school holidays too.    

But don't take my word for it ......

Visit their website for more information, opening times etc.

See you next time ......