There is something fascinating about trees in winter. Denuded of their leaves the shape and form of the tree becomes clear. Sunlight plays on the bark, highlighting the tones and shades. It’s something I want to capture, to keep. Sometimes I get a decent image, but often cameras can’t quite measure up to perfecting the tones & light as nature intended without some work in photo shop.

Bark seems to call to me, encouraging me to explore the texture. It amazes me how different trees can be. Their height astounds. Generally we pass them by, enjoy the shade they cast on a hot summer’s day, bemoan their leaf drop if it makes pavements difficult to negotiate safely. For me winter is THE time to enjoy & celebrate trees. I vow to return & discover more of the trees here; learn their names & history.

My mother in law could tell us names of trees, her ability always impressed me. I guess she retained the knowledge learnt in primary school in the days & times of nature study & nature tables in the classroom.

It’s a while since I’ve visited the Botanical Gardens, hidden in Royal Victoria Park, but I wrapped up warm & wandered round the pathways this morning. The day was cold with the threat of rain, but I decided to brave the elements! The benefit was few people were about. It was just me, my walking companion, numerous squirrels and an assortment of birds. A few other people plus a couple of dogs.

It was good to see that I was not alone in wanting to capture the moment on camera. One chap had a proper camera to hand with super zoom – in contrast my camera would slip into my pocket! I spotted him trying to tempt birds near with treats – unfortunately word got round the squirrel network & they arrived in force!

One of the first things I noticed about the gardens was that something was missing. A flowerbed had been removed. In its place the grass grew long & lush. Look closely & you could just see the circle of the bed outlined. This particular flower bed had been a focal point of the gardens for years. It has been captured on many a photo & publicity shots & featured for the gardens. Sited near the main entrance, close to the Temple. It’s a sad sign of the times of cost cutting. No flower bed to produce a splash of spring, summer or autumnal colour. In future it will simply be a patch of grass to be mown.

There is something fine about a parks department bedding display, edged with grass. The edge cut razor sharp, traditionally with shears. I can almost hear the gentle clip of the blades. Bedding plants for spring would have been classic choices. Forget me nots – how apt that would be! Or polyanthus is assorted shades, combined with wallflowers tightly packed together in the bed. Or those pom pom daisies – bellis daisies with round pink flowers that form a neat edge.

The delights of traditional bedding are sadly, slowly being dropped & erased from our parks – they are time consuming & eat into the diminishing budget. Bath was renowned as for their flowers. Once upon a time we held a Spring flower show here in our park. Now Bath is expert at Christmas markets instead.

My meander around the paths felt a little sad at times. Tired mahonia bushes that should have been bursting with bright yellow flowers looked in need of replacing. I’m suddenly inspired to say I’ll sponsor the replacement of one. Scent is one of the most exciting things about winter flowers. Generally thy are small & insignificant, but the perfume is heady & often you can identify the flower long before it comes into view.

My main companions of the morning were birds & squirrels, many coming close in the vague hope that like many visitors I had come bearing peanuts & treats! Sorry, but not this time. My visit was decided on the spur of the moment.

Back near the entrance I’m reminded of birds that used to live here – white doves. The dovecote still stands proud, wreathed in ivy that is adored by pigeons for the winter berries. I don’t spot any berries here, but think it would be lovely to revive these gardens & breath new life back into them.

It’s been a particularly dry spell. My containerised plants need water. It’s not helped that it’s also been windy so the soil is drying out quickly. But my main priority has been to take fresh water out for the bird bath,

This is the feature of my tiny garden, the focal point. Today, by chance, I walked out to the kitchen to see a robin splashing, reveling in the water level of the bath. It is a constant necessity to keep the water replenished for my feathered friends. A robin has been a frequent visitor this spring. I imagine that it is the same bird, perhaps that is just my flight of fancy! But he has to take his place alongside sparrows that arrive in great number plus members of the tit family.

It’s just a small plot but there is always something new to spot in the garden, especially at this time of year. Today  I have seen the lush green leaves of  Aquilegia. I love the way these flowers pop up at will around the garden. There are signs of a flower bud & I am left to wonder what colour this one will be. Rarely do the new plants seed true to colour. I have tried to keep the rich deep blues & indigo shades that I prefer.

It’s easy to see how this typical cottage garden plant gained the name Granny’s Bonnets. Although my garden is far away from any cottage, many of the plants that fall into this category appeal to me. Even the leaves of my Granny”s Bonnets are pretty. almost feathery in appearance. Soon the flower stem will rise, to tower above the ground before the flower opens.

Today there was time to walk a short distance alongside green fields. I used to take this walk a few years ago. I had forgotten how refreshing this open space is, the sheer joy of wandering along, close to fields, surrounded by trees. Solitude, peace. It is a very restful place & I should make the time to escape here once again. It is peaceful, but not quiet. Birdsong! Loud & clear. I can identify one or two, but it helps to cheat a little & spot the bird singing clearest! Robins are easy to spot & one is determined that I enjoy his robust song. A loud song, complete with trill indicates a wren. These amazing tiny birds have the loudest of songs. “Teacher teacher!” The sound rings out & reminds me of my mother in law. She taught us that this is the call of the Tit family & is now one of the easiest to name.

But there is a faint song that reminds me of holidays. It is a very simple little song, not really very tuneful. A I always said it sounded like a trainee bird, one that was trying to learn a song. I have since learnt that this is the song of the Chiff Chaff. Listen carefully & it does sound as though these are the words the bird is laboriously singing.

But it’s not just the birds that make this space attractive. It is good for the senses, especially in spring. So close to the countryside gardens have the benefit of primroses. These are peppered around the neighbouring gardens. Well of those that have escaped recent development & a fresh contemporary look, or worse makeover  into a driveway. What is interesting is that alongside a newly created drive there is a short row of primroses growing at the edge by a wall. Nature has an amazing way at putting her own mark on man’s designs!

An old cottage is my favourite place to spot. The garden is long & with a lawn that slopes down to fields beyond. Now I remember this garden. The lawn is dotted with pale primroses. It is an amazing sight. I stand & stare, hoping no one will come by. I had forgotten the joys of the walk, the joys of spring. These tiny flowers, not planted by human hand, but appearing each year. Further along the lane I can see more primroses. I hope the reward the homeowners & give them pleasure, that they do not view them as negative or at worse, weeds.

Today there was the perfect opportunity to visit a park. It’s years since I’ve last been to this park, on the edge of our city centre. It’s small & today it was quiet, well at first. By the entrance on the street there’s a gorgeous tree full of pink blossom. The tree positively fizzes on this spring day. It’s a bit fresh & the sun is reluctant to make an appearance, but it’s lovely to simply wander round the circuit of the park.

There’s a toddler following us with a lady, I guess that’s his Mum. The lad is intent on kicking a small ball as he walks. He manages to stop the ball alongside us & shyly turns back to Mum. His footwork is to be praised, he would put many of today’s so called professionals to shame as he deftly dribbles the ball, keeping it well under control. I wonder if this is a regular pastime for this youngster. He continues past us & displays his skills. I am full of admiration for this lady who gives the lad time & encouragement to develop his skills in walking.

There are ample seats around the park, though sadly one has been vandalised. Today it’s a little chilly to sit in this open space, though one couple have chosen to stop a while. They are quickly joined by a blackbird, looking for crumbs. The birds around the park seem very tame.

There’s still a colourful display of daffodils & the promise of more to come as some earlier varieties begin to fade. I love seeing the trees begin to come alive after the long winter months. Places like Westonbirt would be great to visit, but here, right on my doorstep there is a selection of the most magnificent trees showing new life. I wish I knew the species of tree, but I’m ignorant in my knowledge of shape & form of tree life.

I love to see the leaves unfurl, as they coyly begin their display. Tender green shoots held tight until the moment when warmth & light encourage more to slowly be revealed.

There’s something special about spring. The freshness. Today I have noticed for the first time fresh green spikes emerging from the soil. These shoot up like arrows across a small patch of the garden. It’s been in the shade of a large berberis shrub for a very long time. Last year the shrub received a brutal pruning & the result is – the ground cover below has responded to the injection of sunlight. There is the promise of lily of the valley flowers to follow. Dozens of them. It’s an area near the house, in a shady corner where there’s also a welcoming seat. And when the flowers bloom, a little sunshine & warmth, then the perfume should be amazing. I can almost sense it, imagine the heady scent.

But it’s not just Lily of the Valley that is growing strongly. There is new growth & fresh green leaves from Vinca,….. This little plant has crept along the garden, seeking sunlight & is showing a few blue flowers. I hope they linger long enough t o merge with the pure white Lily of the Valley. Above ground the Berberis towers, despite our harsh pruning. The side of the shrub that had least cuts is producing flower. Those gorgeous bright orange bell like flowers that attract birds & bees alike. You can always tell when it’s a good year for flowers on the Berberis by the heavy buzz from bees that hone in on the plant!

Blue tits too seem to adore this shrub. I can never decide if it’s the flower that thy like to eat & whether I should be encouraging them or not!

There is something about the road I choose to walk along that takes me into the heart of our city. A residential road with a mix of housing. But it is the gardens that hold the appeal  & interest for me. I could happily spend my time browsing the gardens here than window shopping. The colour & variety in this small street is a delight.

Many years ago I discovered an amazing plant within these gardens. There was a blaze of spring colour that held my attention, drawing me closer. Beautiful pink blooms covered the wall of the house close to the front door. It’s not a shrub you often see in our area. A camellia & it was gorgeous. How it reminded me of holidays in the west country where the soil conditions lend it to acidic loving plants growing to perfection.

And today I discovered another gem tucked away in a garden, this time just inside the gate. The burst of colour  was hard to resist. Another camellia. The blooms are full, similar to full cupped roses. And as spring unfolds this injection of colour comes as a delight & surprise in perhaps the most unlikely places.

Suddenly the bareness of winter has passed & the trees are beginning to be dressed in their spring finery. A visit to the supermarket means

Yesterday I had an amazing time at Chew Valley Lakes. I discovered an area that provided me with a different view of the lake – a whole new perspective.

A few fishermen were out on the lake, otherwise it was just me, my companion & the wildlife. The stillness & peacefulness in complete contrast to the popular picnic sites that were buzzing with people, children & dogs. I confess I found the noise & dogs encouraged to run off lead intrusive on my day & space. I come here to enjoy the place, scenery. To soak up some sunshine & connect with nature. I left the picnic sites feeling frazzled. I am not fishing so perhaps I am intruding here, but the silence draws me in, I long to linger.

Part of the fun of visiting gardens is to enjoy the flowers & look at them in more detail. It’s not just me that found the flowers here of interest!