Japanese Cherry Blossom Festival . . .

24 comments

. . . at the Batsford Arboretum. I saw this advertised, and as I love cherry blossom I said to my OH “to save you taking me to Japan, we could drive to Gloucestershire!” So we did. They also keep a number of Magnolias: this is M. ‘stellata’.

I really should have made some notes, but carrying a notebook as well as a camera is a bit awkward – sorry!

But I do know that this is The Swamp, with Marsh Marigolds

And many of you will recognise this Acer ‘Orange Dream’. Most of the Japanese Maples were just coming into leaf, and the Handkerchief trees (M. Davidia) were almost over.

There were a few statues, including the Buddha,

and (apparently) Japanese Deer.

I have to admit that I was expecting far more clouds of beautiful pink and white blossom, but it was a very pleasant walk! The café was good too, and as Batsford was only a 2-hour drive for us, we were back in our own peaceful garden in time for tea :)

3 May, 2013
18 likes

Comments

Terratoonie

Hello Sheila ...
that looks a lovely place to visit ..
Pretty pics :o)))

3 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Thanks Terra :)

3 May, 2013

Tuesdaybear

How pretty, Sheila and always better when there's a decent cafe!

3 May, 2013

Louisa15

I've been to Batsford a few years ago when I was on holiday, lots of lovely trees. I think the handkerchief tree was flowering when I went. It's such a beautiful part of the world.

3 May, 2013

Sheilabub

So true Tuesday :))

Thanks Louisa . . . yes, very hilly so plenty of views, and apparently the Mitfords used to live there.

3 May, 2013

Dianebulley

Thank you for the lovely photographs, trees are not easy to get into the view finder !

3 May, 2013

Stickitoffee

Love all those trees, the little bridges are really pretty too. Think I might be adding that to my list of places to visit, thanks Sheila!
Made me laugh when you suggested it would save going to Japan!

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Thanks Diane - you're right, and I find it tricky because my little Lumix doesn't have a viewfinder! It is taking me ages to get used to being unable to see properly what I am snapping; there's a bit of guesswork there.

Thanks Sticki . . it's not too far from you. Yes, I can be quite devious when asking my OH a favour, lol. :))

4 May, 2013

Grandmage

Looks a delightful place Sheila for a nice walk and a good coffee & cake!!

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Thanks Gill :)))

4 May, 2013

Lincslass

Very nice Sheila, its a lovely to visit when the blossom is out, my daughter is on holiday for the next week so is planning some days out for us....

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

That sounds good Lincs . . . it is a lovely time of year, so I think we're all trying to make the most of it :)

4 May, 2013

Karensusan63

Good for you, and you could still go to Japan....maybe next year!

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Cheers Karen . . . I'm sure you'll understand when I say that I think I'll be avoiding long flights for a while :))

4 May, 2013

Karensusan63

Yeah! Don't blame you. I detest them too!

4 May, 2013

Bloomer

I really enjoyed your visit,Sheila..a lovely place ..so nice to see new growth again,on those gorgeous trees :o)

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

You're very kind, Bloomer . . . thank you!

4 May, 2013

Melchisedec

Lovely place!

4 May, 2013

Wildrose

What a lovely outing you had. It looks beautiful with an interesting variety of attractive areas to visit.
A good cafe is a must for me so I am glad you found one there to make the visit truly worthwhile!!!

4 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Many thanks Susanne and Chris - yes, I was glad we went. AND came away with a pretty white Oxalis and the lovely Phlox 'Chattahoochee' too!

5 May, 2013

Bampy

a good sunny day SB, bonus ! Magnolias & acers, perfect, looks like a tranquil place to visit.

5 May, 2013

Sheilabub

Thanks Bampy . . . I did think you'd appreciate the Acers!

5 May, 2013