Playing out

Well thankfully the weather man got it wrong for us yesterday, and so our rainy day plan (sort out my wardrobe, do the ironing, clean the bathroom) changed to something far more enjoyable. I was brought up by a mother who believed that if it was fine, you had to play out - and so I still do to this day!!
We went to Clumber Park in North Nottinghamshire as it isn't too far from us. We hired bikes for a couple of hours and cycled through the forest. I love the smells at this time of year. The pine was very strong, but the forest floor smelled strong and earthy.
When I could in the saddle no more, we wandered around the walled garden. This is slowly being restored to its former glory. Until recently it was a camp site.

The produce in the garden is used in the (highly recommended ) National Trust Tea Room. They do wonderful soup! The flowers in the borders are starting to fade, but still look beautiful.

I love the old gardeners mess room which is by the potting shed - especially the Head Gardeners "Bowler".

This lemon was large enough for us all to have a very large slice in our G&T!!

I do love playing out.