Bluebells in the shade

Another season and another trip to Westonbirt Aboretum. These photos were taken a couple of weeks ago on our most recent trip and I completely forgot about them!

It was a glorious day with sunshine and clear blue skies so we headed for the shade of Silk Wood in search of bluebells. I'll let the photos speak for themselves, I think. Click on the pictures to enlarge them.

 

 

 

 

Aaah sunshine - thank you for gracing us with your presence this year! You have been sincerely missed!

Inspiration from Westonbirt

We visited the Arboretum at Westonbirt on Sunday. We are lucky to be only 10 minutes drive from this lovely Forestry Commission site so we can decide to take advantage of good weather and visit at short notice. We had decided to visit the old arboretum side of the site and on the way we were asked if we'd like to join the tour that was about to leave. We joined the tour and headed off into the old arboretum.

At first, as we listened to Ruth telling us about the plants, the history of the arboretum and the dangers of plant hunting, my eye was drawn by the floral evidence of spring. (Click on the photos for a larger image)

 But as my thinking brain was engaged by the information I was hearing, I found myself increasingly drawn to interesting shapes and textures that I might not have noticed...

 ... and to really see that the leaf buds were as colourful, bright and filled with potential as the flowers.

 

 

Does that ever happen to you? When your brain is occupied by a task, do you notice unusual things or find ideas popping up?

All in all, a lovely afternoon discovering some of the many hidden gems that Westonbirt has to offer. I hope I didn't annoy the group too much by hanging back to take photos!

Here's a photo taken by the other half when he got a turn with the camera.

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!