Just Two Hours.
Just Two Hours (on 15 March 2018).
Hellebore.
Bertie: “Ere Bobby. The ‘Beast from the East’ is coming again!”
Bobby: “When?”
Bertie: “Tomorrow. Snow, ice. Seriously taters, mate.”
Bobby: “Woodburner, cosy, stay in. Not going out in the snow.”
Bertie: “But today is warm and sunny. Let’s go to Wisley.”
Bobby: “Still a bit Uncle Dick, Bertie. Just two hours, then.”
So, here we are cruising down those familiar country lanes, avoiding the main road. East Horsley, Oxshott, Ripley. “Do you remember what Layla said in the car a few weeks ago about the Daisy signs?” We were going to see the Butterflies in the Greenhouse at Wisley, with Sonny and Kyla. She remembered how, with Granny Di, they had a little competition to see the Daisy tourist signs first as you neared the gardens.
Daisy Tourist Sign
“DAISY, DAISY”. I saw it first. No you didn’t – I did – and so on.
The last sign into the gardens.
Into the Gardens.
Being a member makes you feel privileged, even if you did pay for it. Just like me being a Special Bear Member at Brooklands. See: The Special One.. Provided, of course, you go lots of times. So we can go for just two hours if we want. Bobby has a SPECIAL OFFER and details of Royal Horticultural Society Membership (RHS) at the foot of the blog.
“Wowwww can I go round on this?”
“I am afraid not, Bertie. It’s free for disabled members, like my sister Wendy a few years ago.
Wendy at Wisley … (1936 – 2016 RIP).
We had some lovely times with her at Wisley. She loved the gardens and, although becoming increasingly immobile, we came quite a few times to borrow the scooter.
Caddy service round the gardens.
Bertie: “Ow about this then?”
Bobby: “No driver yet. Next time, maybe and I am setting my phone alarm for just two hours. Not to rush, but to stroll round taking pictures for a blog called “Just Two Hours.” It will be a little different to last year. Spring is very late.”
Tom Waits:
Last year we did a glorious blog from Wisley.
A true springtime spectacular. This year, the buds are still tight. Not a single magnolia in flower. This year we have the more subtle season of late winter. A season when hellebores, the Lenten or Christmas rose, come into their own. A woodland plant that likes the shade. Hides its flowers’ true beauty in many species, unless you get down and look properly at the downward facing blooms. So here with hellebores and others is our “Just Two hours”.
Hellebores
Camellias
Camellias.
Bark
Bark. No idea which species.
Bark maple.
Bark maple.
New garden with fountain centrepiece.
Already attracting wishes.
Bench and grasses.
Early daffodils.
Indian bean tree.
Giant Rhubarb.
Information on the Giant Rhubarb – Gunnera Manicata.
New wisteria tunnel under construction.
Old chimneys.
Alpine house.
Seedheads from last summer.
Seedheads from last summer.
New sculpture.
Dandelion Sculpture. Designed & created by Amy Stoneystreet & Robin Wight of Fantasy Wire Ltd.
If you go down to the woods today…
I like it here.
Dogwood.
140,000 crocuses. I counted each and every one! Hahahaha.
Oh look, there’s more!
Still wrapped up, waiting for spring.
This blog is due to be published on 1 April. The pictures you have seen have all gone in the case of plants, and changed with the increase in light for the rest. Make a note to visit Wisley in January and February, or indeed every month of the year. It’s always different.
Special Offer
Bobby’s membership covers him and a guest. Bears go free. Every time we go, he could take a guest. Free. A day entry ticket for an adult is now £14.50.
Full details: Wisley Gardens Website.
If you fancy being our guest, let us know.
A little music to end with. Bobby wanted Nana Mouskouri. I chose this…
Lighting a Candle for Diddley.
Wisley Gardens is world famous. Lots of people go there and yet, even at the busiest times, you can find peace and tranquility. Wisley the village is just a small hamlet with a tiny church. Further down the lane, you come to the Anchor at Pyrford. Diddley loved it here. When the grandchildren were younger they helped open the lock gates for the narrowboats. For Diddley, a visit to Wisley Gardens always ended at the Anchor watching the world float by with a glass of red.
Wisley church.
The Anchor, Pyrford.
Pyrford Lock, on the Wey Navigation, with The Anchor in the background.
A glass of red in memory of the Anchor and Wisley Gardens. Sorry, Diddley. Laurel Cottage is alcohol free now… Ribena!
Thanks for the muppets!
Thanks Val. Send us some sunshine.
LOL, I’ll swap for some rain!
such lovely photos Bob, you’ve brightened my day… thank you xx
You have brightened mine just saying that,