On Easter Monday my dad and I took a drive to Portglenone Forest, approximately a 45 minute drive from Belfast. It's a place I'd never visited before but it's been on my 'must visit' list for some time. Thankfully, this year, good weather and a day off combined perfectly to allow us to make the…
It seems, when other cherry blossom trees have flowered and faded and their petals lie strewn on the ground like confetti, that the one in our garden is only getting started. I'm not sure why that is exactly, but I kind of like it so. And although the spectacle comes round reliably every year, it's…
Last Saturday the sun shone all day. It was glorious, if a bit chilly. And for a little botanical pick me up, I jumped in the car and took the short drive to one of my favourite places. With just my camera for company, I went for a walk arounds the grounds, enjoying the sunshine,…
As is the tradition in March, the weather has brought us sunshine and showers. And just when we might think we have seen the last of winter, the snow arrives to remind us it's not quite over yet. Apparently, spring advances at a speed of approximately 1.9 miles per hour so living where I do,…
In recent years, snowdrops have grown hugely in popularity. Perhaps it's because they are so pretty, perhaps it's the Instagram effect. Perhaps it's simply because in the dark days of winter , when clumps of their delicate white flowers start to emerge from the undergrowth, they are so welcome. In response to their increasing popularity,…
Yes, I know November is over, but I thought I'd take a moment to reflect on the month just past before rushing into the whirlwind that is December ! November never seems to get good press and to be honest, it has never been a favourite month of mine, stuck as it is between golden…
Back in spring (seems like a lifetime ago now), I sowed a few cosmos seeds. They're a favourite of my father in law whose garden is always full of them come summertime. And sure enough, after a few weeks, they germinated and up they sprouted with their fern like foliage. Before too long, I planted…
