My friend Chris wrote to me recently that it must be really special to be in England in the spring. She added that the photos we have taken in woods and gardens make it easy to imagine why belief in fairies is so much a part of European folklore. Thanks so much for that Chris and do enjoy Hong Kong!
It is indeed special. The wisteria in our courtyard and across the back wall has been a glory to behold as it has bloomed progressively for the five weeks we have been here. Also the stand of poplars and all the other trees around Nightingale Farm are so vividly green it surprises me every time I go outside. The fruit and nut trees are in blossom here and all over Dorset and tiny lambs gambol across the green hillsides. Wild deer and pheasants are resident on the farm and we have two pairs of Canada geese nesting on the pond at the bottom of our garden. We walk along the lane and marvel at the renewal of life in the hedgerows. Birds, little scurrying animals and of course the wildflowers. They are so humble and often tiny but superb. It’s interesting that many of them are weeds in Australia but here they are just right.
These photos from Dorset, Somerset and Cornwall illustrate better than my words the beauty that surrounds us every day.

This slideshow requires JavaScript.

Beauty in the hedgerow

Lunch in the courtyard

Tea time

Spring gardening

The mysterious Wayford Wood

Tiny perfection