Waterperry Gardens

Last week I met up with my sister and we visited the lovely Waterperry Gardens in Oxfordshire. Luckily, we happened to go on one of the few days recently that have not been plagued by monsoon-like showers. In fact, I managed to get a little sunburnt!

We had a nice lunch in the cafe and then went for a wander around the gardens. They were very beautifully arranged, with a great variety of colours, heights, textures and shapes. The breeze added movement to the grasses and water features created sound.

I took some close-up photos of some interesting flowers. Their colours are not entirely to my taste but I was fascinated by the striking contrasts that the flowers show. 

They reminded me of the warning displays of wasps and other creatures!

Flower inspirations

It is not often that I can say that flowers have inspired my work. 

This beautiful little flower, growing happily in a meadow garden in Avranches in France, may prove to be the exception. I think it is some form of Cranesbill, or wild Geranium. I just love the striking contrast between the crisp white and the deep purple...

And these delicate Hydrangea flowers with their butterfly-like blossom...

And last but not least a bright little flower, Meadow Saffron, nestling in the shade of Westonbirt Arboretum's native woodland...

These small sparks of colour and beauty have found a place amongst the other ideas that float around inside my head. One day they may just form themselves into a new creation - when they do I'll let you know!