Batsford Arboretum in the spring time.

So to continue the momentum of using my yearly pass and as the sun was trying it's best to peep out, I took myself off on a lovely drive through the Cotswolds to Batsford Arboretum.

It took me about 45 minutes to drive just 22 miles as the sat nav took me through alot of single track back lanes.  Goodness the pot holes where big in places and as I had not long replaced a spring on my van I thought it best to drive with extra care! 

I thoroughly enjoyed the drive though seeing lots of farmers working the fields and drove past a sign for Cotswold Farm Park which is often shown on Countryfile show on BBC.

The area is also known for famous racing stables such as Jonjo O'Neill Racing and Fergal O'Brien Racing.  For those interested in horse racing the last four days in Cheltenham have been home to the famous Gold Cup.  Where thousands of people come to bet, drink and enjoy the races.  It's not something that I would personally go too, due to it being very expensive and crowded.  But I do love to walk around the racecourse when "normality" returns.

So back to the arboretum.  I have only visited this site twice, once many years ago and two years previously.  It is a good size site and in hindsight I wish that I had taken the map as I know I missed area's.  

But it means that there is always a reason to go back, not just to see the landscape change but see the other hidden gems and time permitting you can also walk down to  Moreton-in-Marsh from the arboretum which I think would be so lovely.

So as always I took my camera and here are some of highlights of my trip.

 

 

I love the reflection in the water and the brightness of the plants and the bridge.

 

I never knew there were so many different colours of Helliboures they are such an interesting plant with the petals looking like they have been painted inside.

The grassland had thousands of different varieties of Daffodils and some Primroses dotted with in it aswell.

 

 

The stream that runs all the way down through the garden looks so aged with the moss growing on the rocks.

 

I saw this picture with last years flower petal still hanging on the stem which I thought looked so nice against the backdrop.

 

 

Sometimes you need to make sure you look up aswell.  This Magnolia tree slowly coming to life was literally blak against the background and made such a lovely silohette.

 

Spring is my favourite season, seeing all the new growth forming.

Bamboo can be a very invasive plant, but equally the sound it makes blowing in the wind and the colours of the stems is just so special.

 

For those of you who have been following me will know I take my knitting everywhere! Obviously today was no exception and what a lovely place to just sit and enjoy the beautiful location.

  

 

I also came home with a lovely addition for the garden from the shop.