It was lunch time Friday…. and after another 10 days of dark, damp and cold February days, the day actually woke up…. even a suggestion that the sun may appear. Still not the best of afternoons but better than many of late so not to be wasted.
Had to remain local, so Topiary, a Knot Garden and Snowdrop, at a destination not too far away seemed a good idea.
Snowdrops always lift the spirits and if there is just a little flash of sunshine, they make a big impression for such a small plant..
Hopton Hall, Derbyshire and its woodland spread of Snowdrops is a popular February draw. But it also hosts an Old Rose Garden, no Roses in February. You can admire the well trimmed Knot Garden and its Topiary that later in the season will act as the perfect “picture frame” for the Rose displays…. right now a perfect winter garden. Sadly the afternoon didn’t really brighten up…. but a good leg stretch in the cold fresh air, and a coffee at the on-site café was a welcome tonic
Today, the February weather has returned to rain and dark skies… the forward forecast offers little hope of improvement…. so Snowdrops will have to act as a Big February Bonus Tonic
Whatever, wherever you are…. always…
Please Remember ….
Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other
15h February
(C) David Oakes 2025
DAVID OAKES - IMAGES. 
Despite the weather it is good to get out for a walk. A couple of NT gardens reopen this weekend so we might pop along during the week if we get a dry day to see the camellia and snowdrops and crocuses. Your photos of the topiary garden and the snowdrops are lovely. It looks like a really nice place to visit.
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It only opens for the Snowdrops the again in July for the Roses..which are usually fantastic. 😄
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Oh, well good to take the opportunity to visit.
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Those never ending gray days are what drove me out of Michigan for Las Vegas. No daily vitamin C isn’t good for you!
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I keep taking the tablets..not the same, but it makes me feel as if I am doing something. Never had such a long period of depressing before
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Sorry about this. My ex was from California and was used to daily sunshine. She moved to Michigan and had to take daily vitamin D tabs which helped her mood.
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C, D and E. Not sure they work, but it makes feel as if I am doing something to help
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That’s good news, Dave! 👍🏻
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Thanks for the tour, I hope your sunny days multiply soon.
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One would be a bonus 🤣
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Looks good to me! Guess what we got today? SNOW! A couple of inches. Winter’s not finished yet.
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They say we ‘may ‘ get some this c
omming.week… we will see
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