Mum, Dad and The Boy fancied something relaxing this weekend and since the sun was due to shine all day, Dad packed a picnic and they all headed off to Bodnant Garden. The roads were busy with Bank Holiday weekend traffic but thankfully it doesn't take long to get to Bodnant. Phew!
They grabbed their rucksacks and National Trust membership cards from the car and wandered down to the entrance. Mum really wanted to see the newest area called Far End. They had visited once before but everything looked very newly planted. So they set off for that part first to see whether the area had become more established.
The rhododendrons and azaleas were all still in flower and glistened with morning dew.
On the way to Far End, they were invited to walk barefoot on the grass.
So they did!
The path took them down a very quiet, wooded area on the edge of the garden. It was so lush and peaceful and it was perfect for anyone who didn't feel like hurrying anywhere, like The Family!
Along the path to Far End. Lush, green growth everywhere, and treecreepers too!
As they approached the Skating Pond at Far End, Mum was pleased to see that the planting was very well established and not looking so newly planted any more. Hurrah!
The Skating Pond.
Mum, Dad and The Boy stood at the edge of the pond and looked down into the murky water. It was absolutely teeming with life.
Tadpoles. Thousands of them!
Honestly. Thousands! And they were all swimming along at no great speed in a coiling, smoky trail.
There were loads of damselflies too, both red and blue.
The family were delighted to see the thriving pondlife. In the waters of Bodnant Garden they saw newts, frogs, pond skaters, dragonfly nymphs, water boatmen and loads of fish too. It was awesome.
Willows provided shade along the banks of the pond.
The laburnum arch wasn't quite in full glory, but this tree at Far End provided plenty of colour.
At the end of Far End is a lovely glade with tall grass and taller trees. The Canada geese looked funny as they walked through the glade with their goslings in tow.
A beautiful iris in the full sunshine. Mum loved the clever planting of purple flowers next to yellow ones. Very complimentary.
It was time to move on to The Dell and find a spot for some lunch.
The Family passed this lovely green field on the outskirts of the estate.
Once they arrived at the Dell, they all stood on top of the waterfall. Dad loves watching the water there.
They crossed the river
And found a favourite spot in the dappled shade to eat their picnic.
They had chicken wraps, vine tomatoes, breaded savouries, carrot sticks, Skips and tzatziki dip. Yum yum.
After a lazy lunch and a chitchat beside the river, The Boy took Mum's camera and had loads of fun taking pictures. The following are a selection of his shots.
Mum and Dad.
Acers in The Dell.
The river.
Mum and her ice cream.
Welsh poppies.
The view from the rose gardens.
Another one of Mum and Dad.
The tall oak tree near the house.
Great photos! Mum thinks she needs to sort out one of her old camera for The Boy as he seemed to have loads of fun taking pictures on their walk. But, time for Mum to have a turn with the camera.
Wisteria
More wisteria.
Family selfie.
Lovely aliums. There were loads more. This was not alium. (Dad's rubbish joke.)
After a lovely, long walk, Mum, Dad and The Boy were feeling relaxed and happy. It had been a busy week for all of them and Bodnant Garden is just the place for letting worries and stress drift away on the gentle breeze. Ahhhhhh.
Back in the carpark, Mum thought she'd best have a nice picture of The Boy.
Mr Mopatop himself. <3
Goodbye Bodnant Garden, we'll see you again!
