A weekend away in Hampshire, now with extra photos

As you know, I was heading off to Hampshire on Friday to stay with my best friend Tricia as it was her birthday at the weekend.  We had a lovely day out at Exbury Gardens.  Lots of photos, rather than words this time.

Sadly, we were too late for most of the Azaleas and some of the Rhododendrons.

Cue the music from Jaws - some of these coi carp were HUGE.

This was a deeper colour when not in a photograph.

From the front, the house looked unoccupied, with no real signs of life.

Under the portico at the back, however, there was a table and chairs just begging for someone to go and have Pimms and nibbles.

The view across the lawns, with the smudged horizon of the Isle of Wight in the distance.

The view in the opposite direction.

Isn't this lovely?

Have wheels, will travel! My best friend Tricia and her husband John.  We had walked about a mile earlier, Trish with her little push trolley, and so after a lovely picnic lunch we let Trish put her feet up.

White Wisteria.  I want one!

Drumstick Primulas putting on a lovely display.

There were several beautiful lakes.

Finally we reached The Point, and had a view across the salt marshes to the Beaulieu river.  The last time I was here was with my mum, about 30 years ago.  It hadn't been on the main route or opened up as it was now, and it was quiet enough that we disturbed a Stoat, which ran across the grass for cover in the nearby bushes.

What a lovely spot for a - lovely - house.

We sat for a while beside this lovely pond.  The reflections were wonderful and it was just so peaceful there.

Very Impressisonist.

Beautiful paeonies in the garden centre at the end.  Just as well I didn't travel by car or I'd have spent a fortune here!