Tuesday 5 February 2013

Spring Flowers at Hodsock Priory

For the last few years, we have tripped along to Hodsock Priory as soon as they open to get a fix of the first Spring flowers.  We went on Sunday, and I know it's still early, but we were slightly disappointed this year.  Usually, they close off the Priory which they use for wedding receptions, but this year, they have decided to keep the wedding receptions going, and keep the garden visitors away from the house.  They have erected marquees for tea tents and shops etc, but it looks as if bulldozers have been used to do this and lay paths around the woodlands, and it looks a bit wrecked in places.

 I can fully understand that in this economic climate, they want to keep the revenue that weddings bring in, but for me, it has lost something.  I may need to find another local garden to visit in early spring - any suggestions?
 It was lovely to catch a glimpse of a few springtime plants though.



 And they do still have the open fire in the woodland that everyone loves.

15 comments:

Rowan said...

Lovely photos of spring flowers especially the aconites - I planted about fifty in the green last year but haven't seen any signs of flowers as yet! They don't seem to like my garden:(

A garden just outside Venice said...

You could visit mine perhaps?! :P
xxxxx

Mrs. H said...

I love the fire there too!
Haven't been for a few years now. What a shame to hear it's not looking it's best, lovely pics though x

primrosesattic said...

What a shame. Your pictures are still
lovely.
Rosezeeta.

Anonymous said...

I hope that your pleasure hasn't been totally spoiled there, that would be too bad.

Your images are lovely but I can't identify the plant in the fourth one down, I hope someone will be able to help me.

Vintage Tea Time said...

Love the idea of the fire - just what's needed at this time of year! Pretty Spring flowers. X

Lyn said...

I did mean to go on a special snowdrop visit this year but might of left it too late...there may be some in the grounds on Saturday x

HippieGirl said...

Ooooh, very pretty pictures. You always post the most lovely photos :D

Carol said...

Oh no, like you we make an annual pilgrimage. Now I'm not sure if I want to go next week.
Think they are a bit short sighted as they could potentially lose thousands of visitors in future years.
Carol xx

Linda P said...

Lovely to see the Spring flowers from your time at Hodsock Priory. As well as the snowdrops the woodland violets are special. Thank you for your post about Hodsock.

Rosie said...

I know they open for Snodrop Trails at Hopton Hall near Carsington Water perhaps that is a bit too far to travel when the weather is so unpredictable. I remember the sweet smelling box at Hodsock as well as the snowdrops - the place used to have such a lovely atmosphere with refreshments in a marquee and also in a clearing half way round the walk:)

Lisa said...

Looks like you managed to find the best bits still at Hodsock. A toasting fork and marshmallows seem like good accessories for your next trip with the woodland fire going!
Lisa x

Young at Heart said...

fabulous to something of spring!!x

Little Blue Mouse said...

It's a shame it's been spoilt a bit this year, but it may be all right next year when things start growing again along the new paths.
Have you tried Brodsworth Hall? I've only been in summer myself but I think it has a snowdrop display.

Les, said...

I was going to suggest Hopton hall too, Louise but was beaten to it. I believe the snowdrops are VERY good there. There's always a superb bank of snowdrops at the Lode Mill in Milldale.