Postcards from a early summer holiday

On the way to Wales we stopped at Stockton Bury gardens.

I loved the Tulipa Sprengeri under the dappled light.

This was the view from the table eating breakfast each morning.

Nuthatch cottage, Cwm Irfon.

I could have spent all day sitting on the chair, enjoying the relaxed planting in the Parterre Garden at Whimble Gardens and Nursery.

Returned to Bryan's Ground to see the irises in full bloom.

It wasn't all gardens, we visited castles too!
The wonderful Carreg Cennan.

We came across hillsides covered in bluebells when we travelled the mountain road between Abergwesyn and Tregaron.

Found a surprising and delightful combination of Euphorbia griffithii 'fireglow' and Primula beesiana at Cae Hir Gardens.

Added Amsonia tabernaemontana to my 'must have' list after seeing it at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales.

Got dizzy looking up at the Cynghordy Viaduct.

We were fascinated with the formations of the coastline at New Quay.

Such a wonderful allium border! Enjoying a last garden on the way home, the lovely Abbey Dore Court Gardens.

Wish we were back there...

Iris x fulvala 'Violacea'

Let's just ignore the fact I haven't blogged for ages... For a variety of reasons, none of which are very interesting.

Instead, enjoy this picture of the beautiful Iris x fulvala 'Violacea' which I recently saw at the National Botanic Gardens of Wales. I have had it as my desktop picture for the last few days and I find myself constantly stopping and just looking at it so thought I'd share it with you. It's a cultivated variety from the US and prefers full sun, though might take light shade. I find it elegant and the colours rich, and so very very pretty.