Spring really has arrived on the Lower Mill Estate now – lots of daffodils around still and as well as pussy willow and blossom. It’s lovely to explore the estate and discover fresh green leaves emerging!
Spring on the Lower Mill Estate, Cotswolds
spring
Daffodils and Magnolias at Batsford Arboretum
March is Daffodil Month at Batsford Arboretum and with lots of varieties of daffodils in flower it is a great place to visit over the next few weeks. There are also lots of primroses, scilla and early flowering cherries are also putting in an appearance. Early magnolias are another treat at this time of year, and always look their best set against a clear blue sky.
A recent reviewer on Trip Advisor wrote: “We wanted to see snowdrops but were impressed by so much more about Batsford. It’s hard to pinpoint which part of the arboretum is the most impressive. It was a wonderfully atmospheric visit – the wintery sun lighting up the snowdrops and aconites and it was lovely to see a herd of deer in the field. A magical place, can’t wait to go again – our visit was rounded off by a delicious bowl of spicy parsnip soup in the very welcoming and well run cafe (very nice staff!). A total success all round.”
For more information visit http://www.batsarb.co.uk/
Spring at Westonbirt Arboretum
Westonbirt's trees and shrubs are gathered from all over the temperate areas of the globe which means there is a succession of spring colour, from extraordinary rhododendrons from the Himalayas and champion magnolias from China to some stunning conifer foliage from Eastern Europe.
Visitors in March can expect to see the rhododendrons and camellias followed by magnolias. The Savill Glade in the Old Arboretum will be a wonderful array of colour and scent.
During April the rhododendrons will continue to flower and in Silk Wood, carpets of celandines and wood anemones will be found amongst the fresh new foliage bursting out on the native trees.
May will bring a sea of bluebells in the glades whilst the Japanese maples will open in a beautiful array of colours.
Westonbirt Arboretum is offering half price admissions every Wednesday in April and May: adults £4, children £1.50 Definitely a good excuse to take some time out and enjoy some spring sunshine.
For more information http://www.forestry.gov.uk/westonbirt-spring
Photo credit: Westonbirt Arboretum via facebook
Posted by Naomi at https://cotswoldfamilyholidays.com/
#spring #westonbirt #CotswoldsWalks
The Daffodil Way
For most people, the sight of the first daffodils, with their beautiful yellow heads is a sign that Spring has finally arrived. The poem Daffodowndilly by AA Milne sums it up well:
She wore her yellow sun-bonnet,
She wore her greenest gown;
She turned to the south wind
And curtsied up and down.
She turned to the sunlight
And shook her yellow head,
And whispered to her neighbour:
‘Winter is dead.’
The wild daffodil, sometimes called the Lent lily due to the time it flowers, is smaller than garden cultivars, but as with snowdrops and bluebells, when flowering en masse is a beautiful sight. Depending on the weather, wild daffodils flower from mid March to April.
Whilst wild daffodils were once a common sight in England, over the years intensive agricultural practices has led to them becoming less common. In Gloucestershire, around the villages of Cymock, Kempley and Oxenhall, wild daffodils once carpeted the meadows, orchards and woods, and for this reason it is known as the Golden Triangle. Good conservation practices by local farmers and landowners, as well as the Gloucestershire Wildlife Trust has preserved some special sites where wild daffodils are still flourishing in abundance.
The Daffodil Way is a popular way to enjoy the wild daffodils in the Golden Triangle. The famous 10 mile circular walk takes you through meadows, orchards and woods. On the weekend of 14th and 15th March Kempley Daffodil Weekend takes place, with the Village Hall hosting teas and refreshements as well as walking tours.
Photo credit and more information http://www.kempleytardis.org.uk/daffodil-walks/
Or why not download the Daffodil Way app which domes with maps of the path together with photographs and information related to your walk. http://buff.ly/1FzfLAL