Writers' block and Harlow Carr

I think I must be experiencing a spot of writers' block, as there's so much I could write about, but nevertheless, I always seem to find something more pressing than updating my blog. Strange, because I just love doing it once I've started a new post, it's just a matter of persuading myself that there's enough time to do it justice.  Am I on my own on this or is it a syndrome other bloggers experience too?

Having said all that, P and I had the most glorious afternoon last weekend at Harlow Carr, the RHS garden in Harrogate, and the pics looked so colourful for this time of year that I couldn't resist sharing them with you.

Fireworks from the dogwoods!

We set out resolutely to blow away the cobwebs on the woodland walk - much too much time spent indoors recently.  I'm always amazed at how much colour you can find wandering along the paths - much thought must go into planning the continuity, there's never a time when I've been there when I can say I've been disappointed by the fabulous plant displays.

Tiny cyclamen coum

I love the red dogwood hurdles and the terracotta rhubarb forcers amongst the snowdrops, all helping keep the interest going.

The witch hazels were truly spectacular - I think the top one is Diane and this massive one above is the species hamamelis mollis

Had to get up close and personal with these gorgeous little beauties - I love all irises, but in the middle of February these are a real treat.

I just adore this mesh teapot-come-leaf-mold-maker and oversized terracotta teacup - as those of you who're regular readers will recognise by the number of times I've photographed them!

The garden's punctuated by lots of comfy seats and benches for resting weary legs, but there's also rustic shelters where peeps like yours truly can sit and contemplate the views.

More red dogwoods with silver birch, one of my fav
associations when wearing my garden designer hat

It's always seemed peculiar to me why red dogwood is called Cornus alba. I suppose it's because of its white flowers, but given that the glowing red wands are its main attraction, you would have thought the botanists might have called it Cornus rubra... no?

Viburnum bodnantense

We finished our ramble by this deliciously fragrant viburnum - fabulous value with both scent and flowers at this bleak time of year.

The visit was rounded off nicely with a late lunch at Bettys, the renown Yorkshire tearoom, that has most recently added a Harlow Carr venue to those in York, Harrogate and Ilkley.  We quickly thawed out when the butternut squash and tomato soup, served with a rosemary and cheese roll arrived - just what was needed -  and the very obliging maitre d seated us alongside the long bank of french windows giving superb views across the garden while we ate.  As we hadn't yet had a celebratory Valentine's Day toast, we decided the wine list was just a tad too tempting, so I decided on a glass of the crisp and fruity house white, while P chose a warming merlot.  

Before departing we decided to share a pot of Earl Grey and a scrumptious chocolate torte, which unfortunately disappeared before I managed to take a pic!

When we got home I noticed this gorgeous camellia in the front garden. Something must have happened to this plant's botanical clock this year, as it's flowered more or less constantly since last May!

Django, who has a very fluffy but fine coat, is feeling the cold at the moment,  'Don't even think of trying to move me from my comfy seat by the fire' - hmmm, obviously feeling bolshy too.

Come back soon, I feel I could be getting in the blogging swing again now!