We've had some bad weather just lately, three named storms within a week, so when Saturday dawned bright and sunny we decided to make the most of it and get outdoors for a walk.
We decided on Temple Newsam as I know they have an abundance of crocuses at this time of year.
I wasn't disappointed, the flowers were putting on quite a display in the sunshine.
Although I've grown crocuses in my own garden in the past, none have come up this year so it's nice to enjoy them in a public garden instead.
Looking up through the trees you can see Little Temple. This is usually quite hidden when the trees are in leaf but the landscape looks quite bare at the moment. Little Temple is a viewpoint which was built in the 1760s and was probably designed by Capability Brown who remodelled the gardens at Temple Newsam between 1765 and 1771 for the 9th Viscount Irwin.
We walked around the lake but it was so muddy. In fact, even pathways at Temple Newsam are muddy just now. There was a Light Trail in the lead up to Christmas and some of the reviews of this festive experience mention how it was so muddy that it spoilt the whole experience, which is a shame.
When we visited during Autumn At Temple Newsam we saw a swan on its own. Swans usually mate for life so they're often seen in pairs but again on Saturday, we saw just one swan. I'm sure it must be the same one. I hope it's not lonely.
There were also ducks and coots on the lake so we stopped to watch them for a while.
We saw some storm damage whilst we were walking in the grounds. A couple of trees were roped off, not because there was danger of them falling but it looked as though branches had been tumbling from them. It seems the beautiful Weeping Willow which has stood by the lake for as long as I can remember has come down. It's sad to see trees which have been part of the landscape being felled during storms.
We always used to put Archie on his lead around water as it was such a temptation to him but he's a good boy now he's older. He had a wander to the edge of the lake but came back when called.
I love the shape of this tree. I'm not very good at identifying trees, I know a few by their leaves but that's about it. I'd love to know what this tree might be.
I was looking for the rhododendron buds which are usually swelling at this time of year. Temple Newsam Rhododendron Walk is a sight to behold in May and June with the plants putting on a wonderful display but it will be interesting to see how they fare this year as many of the shrubs look to have been hacked back and they have fewer buds than I usually see around now. I don't know the route that the Light Trail took at the end of last year but I wonder if it was directed along the Rhododendron Walk and the shrubs were cut back to accommodate the groups of people which would be passing by. It will be interesting to see what impact the severe pruning (hacking to my way of thinking) has when early summer comes around. I shall definitely have a trip there to see for myself.
And although at the start of this post I said that the day was bright and sunny, well, yes it was, but it was blooming windy again and rather cold to say the least while we were walking around Temple Newsam, but it was good to get out for a walk.
The weekend was lovely although cold and slightly windy but such a change from all those recent storms. The crocuses look lovely. I'm sure the lone swan is missing it's mate wherever it is. Lovely to see Archie having an off lead run near the water, what a good boy he is.
ReplyDeleteI was just out posting a parcel and noticed all the crocuses (croci??) on the grass verges on my way to the post office. It really made me happy to see them there. I don't suppose we're out of winter yet but it's nice to see some signs of spring!
ReplyDeleteOh don't Spring flowers just lift your heart! The massed crocuses look beautiful. I hope that poor swan finds another mate. Yes it's a shame to see big magnificent trees come down.
ReplyDeleteI'll have to keep an eye out for crocuses here on the Oregon Coast. Haven't seen a lot but I am seeing daffodils and even a few very very early rhodies! Archie looks like he enjoyed himself!
ReplyDeleteMartyn and I were only just saying that we would have to visit when the rhododendrons are in flower. Pity about the mud, we thought Nostell would be muddy bit it wasn't. It is sad about the weeping willow, it was quite a feature.
ReplyDeleteMy crocuses are all up in my lawn, I'm so glad I planted them year before last they quite lift the spirits. It is a shame to see all the storm damage so many beautiful tree's destroyed. It's lovely to see Archie enjoying himself. xx
ReplyDeleteWe moved house last April so we’re delighted when loads of crocuses have appeared in the front garden.
ReplyDeleteLove seeing your posts of Temple Newsam in all its seasons and does bring back memories of our first meeting up all those years ago. Hope you do a post of the rhododendrons when they come out. Take care & hugs.
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely place to go for a walk, those crocuses are lovely, they look so delicate as all winter flowers do, it always amazes me that they flower at all.
ReplyDeleteIt is really sad to see so many old trees down this Winter, the wind has come from the North more this Winter I have noticed and the trees are not used to it so have not built the strength to defend themselves against the wind from that direction. Alice and I think you tree is most likely an Oak or a Sycamore from the shape, when it is in leaf please do share another photo of the leaves and then we will know for sure.
Aren't those crocuses beautiful! Fingers crossed those rhododendrons spring back to give a great display in a couple of months time.
ReplyDeleteIt's just so lovely to see the Spring flowers ...
ReplyDeletePleased you could get out for a walk, it looks as though Archie enjoyed himself too.
Always a shame when trees come down in a storm.
That is a nice shape tree - whatever it it.
Happy March Wishes.
All the best Jan
It's always nice to see crocuses, especially like that. Sad to see trees like the weeping willow toppled in stormy weather. The shape of that tree reminds of the hornbeam I 'tree followed' last year. xx
ReplyDeleteThe crocuses are beautiful. I'm sure I'm seeing more of them this year. X
ReplyDeleteWhat a nice place to walk. I've just been walking through the neighborhood now that we're back home. Less interesting for sure. What a wonderful public garden area. I've not yet seen any crocuses blooming around here, but am beginning to see some green pop up that could be Daffodils and or Crocuses.
ReplyDeleteSandy's Space
I love a carpet of crocuses - mine seem to have almost exhausted themselves over the years and look quite weedy now. It is good to see what Temple Newsam looks like in daylight - I think we might have gone around the lake at the light show in the dark.
ReplyDeleteIt seems you are ahead of us Spring wise than we are here in Eastern PA. A shame about the tree. I also feel sad when old "friends" are victims of storms. It has been mild today. We opened up a few windows to air the house out but now we have the fireplace throwing out heat at 6:15 PM. You also have pretty parks. 💖
ReplyDeleteStunning photots,lovely to see Archie still going strong.x
ReplyDeleteWhat a delightful display of crocus. I just love them, I'm always amazed at how they survive the rain and storms! That certainly is a lovely walk, I can see Archie is enjoying himself. xxx
ReplyDeleteWonderful photos! The weather is so unpredictable these days... Well, scratch that... it's predictably wet & windy once again! :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely walk, the crocus displays looked so pretty, very strong little flower and a delightful addition to spring xcx
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