The neat paths and lawns soon gave way to more interesting early spring delights like these celandine pushing through the fallen leaves.....
.....and these lovely wood anemones (identified by Crinny!) at the base of a tree.
We almost missed these primroses and crocuses in the long grass....
but the gardeners have made a real feature of these crocuses and dwarf daffodils.
We walked round to the chapel but, like the house, it was locked and also like the house, it was a very disappointing piece of architecture but we were delighted to spot this carpet of tiny cyclamen nearby.
Better luck next time.
Killerton may not be a very pretty or even grand looking house but I believe it holds an excellent costume collection. We will certainly be returning later in the year for another wander around the gardens.
Looks like a gorgeous day out, M. The carpet of cyclamen is heavenly.
ReplyDeleteI have little clumps of cyclamen scattered around the garden but I've never seen such a dense patch before. It was a breathtaking sight.
ReplyDeleteM - your pictures remind me just why I moved to Devon a decade ago. And why, when I am firing on all cylinders again, I should get out and reconnect with it.
ReplyDeleteWhat a shame that you couldn't enjoy the sunny days, D. I'm afraid the weather has already changed to dismal February cloudiness. I hope you are feeling well soon, ready for the next glimpse of spring.
ReplyDeleteThe Merry Harriers at Clayhidon? A new one on me - where is it in relation to Killerton? Always looking for nice local pubs. Lovely photos, must pop over within the next week or two to see the flowers for myself. Yes, Killerton is not much to look at but inside it's very good with, as you supposed, an excellent costume collection. They often have events there as well and have a pretty good second hand book shop in the stable block. And I must add - how nice you and your husband look!
ReplyDeleteWonderful pictures, especially the boots :-)
ReplyDeleteMy favorite are the primroses. I suppose it is their association in my mind with the high earthen banks of the West Country that I remember from my childhood days.
Thank you kindly, Cath. My husband (the MM) is the one in the cap!
ReplyDeleteIf you click on the link to the Merry harriers in my post and then select their 'About us' option, you will see directions from the A38 and the motorway. We were headed for the Five bells at Clyst Hydon but found it was closed, a lucky mischance or we wouldn't have seen Killerton.
Rob, I've been looking at some of your photographs and feely very flattered to receive praise for my efforts. I love your post on sunsets as a retirement activity - yet another distraction to add to my list. Porlock Weir is one of our favourite places to spend a weekend.
ReplyDeleteAh right, I assumed your husband was the one with you - never assume anything etc... 8-S
ReplyDeleteAnd after I commented I saw the link to the pub, followed it and saw where it's situated. It might be one we pass when we go to Chard, I'm not sure. We've never tried it anyway, but certainly will now.
What lovely photographs - as you live in Devon, try and see the crocus in the gardens of Dartington Hall, they are out now and look wonderful, as do the hellebores, the snowdrops and the daffs.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Galant, I love Dartington Hall but won't be able to get down for a while as I'm heading for London for several weeks. Perhaps I'll get to see the summer flowers instead.
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