A Trip to Batsford Arboretum

 Batsford Aboretum is one of my favourite places to visit, at any time of year, but maybe mid December not so good I thought? I was wrong, on Tuesday I had a delightful day there with Sue whose birthday we were belatedly celebrating. We had a wander round the gardens where the magnolia buds were splendidly anticipating spring, prunus berries still in evidence and some autumn colour was left on one acer. Views of Batsford House were lovely, especially with the rolling Cotswolds in the distance behind it.

And here are the magnolia buds:

and sorbus berries

a bit of autumn colour

And here's the standard view of the house down the driveway

further down the path you come across the church looking lovely against the blue sky

This marble statue is surrounded by camassia in the spring, it's called Daphne, sculpted by Simon Verity, and commissioned by the 2nd Lord Dulverton in 1978. Simon Verity produced  lovely flower baskets at Barnsley House which is where I first saw his work.

And after a walk round the gardens, there's a chance to have lunch in the lovely restaurant where there is fabulous freshly cooked food. There are also plant for sale and a superb shop selling many sorts of wellies among other things.