Flowers and more flowers

The light in London is so good for photography and the flowers are so plentiful and affordable.  I spent a lot of time putting flowers on windowsills and taking their picture.

Little M decided that one of her Sylvanian Family members should also pose for a photo.

 

I never thought I would see daffodils and hydrangeas together.  In Australia, their flowering is separated by months.  It seems that in London, anything is possible.

This beautiful pot of bulbs was insanely (by Australian standards) cheap to buy and provided weeks of pleasure.

 I prepared this post some time ago, but family events have taken precedence over blogging of late so these spring flowers are somewhat out of season now. I thought they were still worth sharing.

Chelsea Physic garden

I find it truly incredible that this little garden in the heart of Chelsea, has been around since 1686.

The snowdrops were blooming in the Chelsea Physic Garden while I was in London so a visit was called for.  

I did know that there are many varieties of snowdrops, what I didn't know was how different they are.

When it is not going by its botanical name, this one is called "Grumpy".  Not hard to see why!

Simply beautiful.

Two bites of the cherry

Last year, when I ticked off my bucket list a visit to Petersham Nursery in the UK, I didn't for a minute contemplate that I would be back again within six months,  However, that is just what has happened during my blog absence.  Daughter A and family have gone to live in London.  I would like to say for a short time, but I suspect that it could be for a few years.  Lovely for them, but very sad for me.  The upside, of course, is that I now have a good reason to visit which I hope to be able to do regularly.

It was wonderful to return to Petersham in the winter and how different it was to my last visit during the summer.  I felt a bit sorry for these little primulas with their blanket of frost.

The fountain which had been splashing happily in the greenhouse on my last visit was now covered with icicles.

As usual, the displays were stunning and temptation was everywhere.

On our last visit, we had afternoon tea in the greenhouse.  This time we treated ourselves to a lovely lunch in the cafe.

I don't suppose many people get to tick something off their bucket list twice so I think I am very lucky.  Who knows, now that I have more reasons to visit the UK, I might even have three ticks against this item.  Now that would be greedy!

No 2 on the bucket list

The second place which has recently been ticked off the bucket list is Lake Como in Italy.  I had to keep pinching myself regularly to remind myself that I was really there and I wasn't having a delightful dream.  It really is so beautiful.  Everywhere I looked was another stunning view either through the doors and windows of the villa or on the lake itself.

The little village of Bellagio was a challenge with its steep hills and many sets of stairs just begging to be climbed.

Little vignettes such as this were around every corner.

I feel so lucky to have visited this beautiful part of the world.

Bucket list

Poor neglected and under-nourished little blog.  It has been so long since you have been fed.  I have been away ticking a few things off my bucket list (not that I intend kicking said bucket anytime soon!)  Recent tests and scans have shown that all is well after last year's brush with the Big C and I am hoping that this will continue.

Getting back to that bucket list, the first item I ticked off (apart from actually being in England) was a visit to Petersham Nurseries in Richmond and it did not disappoint.  I was so excited to finally be there that I ran around like a madwoman taking pictures of everything in sight.  In retrospect I wish I had calmed down a little and just soaked up the ambience, but at least I now have plenty of photographic memories.  I did get to relax a little as we enjoyed a  lovely afternoon tea in one of the many greenhouses.  I had no idea there were so many of them.

How wonderful it would be to have all this on one's doorstep.  I would be there every week.  I imagined myself tucked away in a quiet corner with a good book and a pot of tea.  Heaven.

Such a pity that one is restricted by luggage allowances when travelling.  I could have done serious damage in the shop here.

The river at Richmond was so pretty.  Very Wind in the Willows.  I'm sure I spotted Ratty and Mole among the boats.