We ventured out again yesterday to another open garden, this time one with crafts and ice cream too. Unfortunately, the weather wasn't quite so kind, but being hardy sorts, would that put us off? No! Although the formal gardens were beautiful, with stunning views wherever we looked, it was the wildflower meadow which we were both drawn to. It was a haze of white daisies with splashes of blue cornflowers and echiums.
Grasses were intermingled among the flowers to create a relaxing and beautiful space. Here and there, I spied bold flashes of colour from poppies and one in particular caught my eye.
I followed the mown grass paths round and there it was, shining out despite the soaking it had received.
I couldn't resist that colour!
I loved the way the raindrops were clinging to the petals. Having wandered in the gardens, we looked at the craft stalls and then enjoyed an ice cream (Chris had toffee ripple and strawberries and cream and I went for chocolate - well, you have to, don't you? It is nearly July!)
Coming back from a garden visit is always a little dispiriting, but this hydrangea was there to help to cheer me up! I have always wanted a blue hydrangea and this one is doing a great job of being lilac-y blue.
Watching the flowers change from creamy white to creamy green to blue has been a joy.
P.S Welcome to my new followers - I really hope you'll enjoy reading my blog.
Hello, I am one of your new followers! The flowers are so beautiful, especially with the drops of rain on them. I look forward to reading more. xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Amy. Hello and a big welcome! I was really pleased with my photos from the visit. I hope you will enjoy reading my blog.
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
No blue Hydrangeas here, they are all boringly pink or white. You are a lucky girl.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Toffeeapple. I bought my blue hydrangea last year from our local market and am really pleased with it. Most of them are in pots - I have one in the border (Hydrangea Arborescens Annabelle, who is big and blowsy) - and I would like to have more, but sadly, just don't have the space (I have managed to squeeze 5 in). I do appreciate what I've got though - I am indeed very lucky!
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Oooh. And ahhh. And doesn't the rain make everything smell wonderful... Fresh, and rejuvenated.
ReplyDeleteThanks, EC. Despite the rain, I really enjoyed the visit and the raindrops really added a little something extra to my photos. Everything did smell wonderful, you are absolutely right!
DeleteBest wishes
Ellie
Lovely post Ellie-you have found some gorgeous open gardens! The wild flower meadow is so pretty. We have quite a lot of hydrangeas, one of the shrubs that will actually grow well (our ground is either far too dry or far too soggy!) yours is such a glorious colour! Alison xx
ReplyDeleteThanks, Alison. There have been some lovely gardens on show around us, but of course there were others which we couldn't visit, because their open days clashed. Still, something to look forward to next year. My hydrangeas are all in pots (except arborescens Annabelle who is massive and big and blowsy) and seem to be fine with that (I have had to deal with vine weevil in the past though - ugh!) I am delighted with the colour - even though the description said blue, you never can be sure until it flowers!
DeleteHave a lovely rest of the week.
Best wishes
Ellie
How lovely that you are managing to visit these gardens and enjoy their beautiful offerings Ellie; the poppy is spectacular, you've photographed it so well, and of course, coming home to this beautiful hydrangea is a lovely treat - they do offer such sweet colour surprises don't they! I'm happy you finally have your 'blue'!
ReplyDeleteHave a lovely week, xoJoy
Thanks, Joy. I am so pleased with the poppy photos as they have come out really well. The hydrangea is doing really well at the moment and long may that continue. I'm just off to give it some water and feed to keep it happy. I do like the blue one - I have white and pink, but the blue is a real treat.
DeleteBest wishes and have a good week
Ellie
At a first glance I thought the red flower was a rose. Beautiful petals with rain drops! Blue hydrangea is also stunning. Hydrangea in our garden is almost over now.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Poirot. The poppy was so beautiful that I had to take a photo of it. I am so pleased with my blue hydrangea as it is the first time I have seen its flowers - I bought it last year. I am sure your hydrangeas were absolutely beautiful, just like the rest of your garden.
DeleteHappy gardening!
Best wishes
Ellie