Doddington Hall, Lincoln

Yesterday, I went to Doddington Hall, Lincoln, (http://www.doddingtonhall.com) with my friend Angie and enjoyed a very nice lunch in the Farm shop and Cafe, before heading out to enjoy the gardens. Doddington is known for its irises, and although some had gone over, some were still beautiful. The above photo was taken in the woodland area, looking across the fields to a barn.

The irises looking gorgeous in the formal garden.

The vibrant colours of the rhododendrons and azaleas which greeted us. We spotted lots of others on our walk round the gardens. I think they look best in a woodland area - they seem to 'belong' there. It was a lovely way to spend an afternoon.

Visit to Hodsock

Above are some of the photos I took at Hodsock Priory (www.snowdrops.co.uk) last Monday. The weather was awful to start with, sleet, snow and hail, then torrential rain! However, once we ventured out, the rain cleared away and we had a reasonable afternoon. Due to the really cold winter, the snowdrops weren't as far on as in previous years, and the hellebores had only just started growing, but I still thoroughly enjoyed the trip. The woodland walk is always very peaceful and there is a bonfire to warm up by which is welcome. Well worth a visit, and open until the end of February.

Snowdrops are one of my favourite flowers as they are beautiful, simple and seem so delicate yet can withstand the worst weather of the year. Their appearance is a reminder that Spring is not too far away.