Waddesdon Manor

Back in April 2019, Andy and I had a weekend away to go to Wembley for the FA Cup semi final - as our teams were playing each other!   On the way down to meet Andy, I stopped off at Waddesdon Manor to visit the gardens, and was lucky enough to have a guided tour with the Head Gardener, which was magical and so informative while I was still studying for my qualification.

It was quite a cold day and quite windy up on the (man made) hills and mounds.  The bedding was spectacular and certainly provided some colour.

A wonderful garden to visit and looking back on this day has reminded me that I had always intended to go back in the summer to check out the seasonal planting.   I will put it on my to do list!

 

Daffodil Championships

 Back in 2019, when I was studying for my RHS Diploma, I was able to acquire RHS membership at student rates - a massive saving! - and was, therefore, able to join all sorts of horticultural groups, also at student rates.   Mum and I spent a good amount of time during these two years at various shows and gardens, including the Daffodil Championship at Barnham, just outside Norwich.

I must admit I had never seen so many different daffodil varieties and was surprised that they don't all come in yellow!

As well as daffodils, members displayed all sorts of weird and wonderful plants - this photo was supposed to show how huge the cactus was, by having Mum pose behind it, but I'm not sure the perspective works from this angle!

Tintern Abbey

 Andy moved job to Hinckley Point power station in Somerset in December 2018 and we've been exploring the local area ever since.   About that time, the toll charges were abolished on the bridges into Wales, so we've spent a LOT of time crossing the border since then too!

Not far over the border, we head along the Wye Valley to Tintern - and we've been known to venture even further to Monmouth all alongside the Wye.   A fabulous drive, with stunning scenery.