English Bluebells

I am sure that everyone was totally entranced by the Royal Wedding on Friday. What a joyous occasion it was and it made me so proud to be British. We certainly put on a very fine show staging these events and the day lived up to all our expectations. Even the weather behaved and the threatened showers never materialised. Kate's dress was inspired, the service and 2 kisses on the balcony sealed the day as one never to forget. The joy on their faces told the world that they really have found a deep love and friendship. It appears the Prince has found his soulmate.

The exceptional warm weather we have recently enjoyed has brought many of our plants into flower weeks earlier than normal. The bluebell is no exception. The native English Bluebell is a favourite of mine and near where we live in Surrey, at Hatchlands Park, is display of bluebells which each year  is quite breathtaking.

Here is the UK we actually have 3 types of Bluebell. Our native English variety, the Spanish and a hybrid of the 2 species. Most people are unaware of the difference but there is quite a lot between them. Our native bluebell tends to grow in woods and not in gardens.

It has flowers only on one side and this gives the graceful curve of the stalk, as shown here.

The Spanish and hybrid varieties are upright, larger and produce flowers all around. I took this photo on the right in my parents' garden.





Next to my dear daffodils nothing epitomises my spring time more than the sight of drifts of bluebells in the woods.

Last week during the Easter holidays my Hb and I paid a visit to the Bluebell wood at Hatchlands Park. Hatchlands is owned by the National Trust. I have visited the house many times so often we just visit the gardens. The wisteria was also out in full bloom.

It was the most glorious day and the house looked more like it does in July and August than at Easter time. Everyone was dressed in their summer clothes and we stopped to have lunch in the courtyard restaurant first.





After lunch we took the walk through the woods

to the Bluebell Wood and the sight did not disappoint us at all.
Ahead of us were drifts upon drifts of bluebells and the air was heavy with their scent......

Everywhere we looked was the thickest carpet of bluebells. The sight was even more beautiful with the sun streaming in through the tree branches. It was nature at it's very best.

I hope you enjoyed coming on my bluebell walk and that you are also enjoying a wonderful weekend. Today is the first day of May and the cold winds of winter seem like a very long time ago. Warm spring sunshine has brought everything to life.

I think that the celebrations on Friday gave me a chance to reflect. Life, despite its peaks and troughs, is good and nature is very generous. There were a few lines in the reading at Kate and William's wedding which I found very moving....

"Let Love be genuine, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with mutual affection, outdo one another in showing honour."

Powerful words - I wish the new Duke and Duchess of Cambridge a long, happy, loving life together.

Bye for now.

Jane x