It is already time for our fourth visit to the National Trust’s Herefordshire property, Croft Castle. On this visit the sun shone on us and we enjoyed a lovely warm spring day.
The first noticeable change was that there was now life in the trees as buds were bursting and delicate bright green leaves were making their entrance.
The ancient Sweet Chestnuts were beginning to show glossy ribbed fresh green foliage.
Different wildflowers added colour to the little meadow area that we pass on our way to the walled garden, Lady’s Smock with the softest possible pink petals, white and purple Fritilleries and buttercup yellow Dandelions.
Beyond the meadow we passed through the gateway in the stone wall and got a glimpse of the castle and its chapel. We then walked along the deep long mixed border.
We arrived expecting to see big changes in the walled garden itself and immediately we were struck by how lush green everything looked.
In the bothy we read the job list for the gardeners. The greenhouse had a surprise in store for us, these zingy orange Clivia flowers. I couldn’t resist taking a shot of the peeling paint on an old wooden seat.
Although there was little sign of growth on the vines the Apples were showing their first blossoms and the Rhubarb plants were producing strong stems. The garden staff had already picked a large crop. In the Rose Garden Tulips provided bright patches of colour.
In readiness for the next school holiday the staff had put out games from times past. Jude the Undergardener just couldn’t resist it!
Close to the Hopscotch game our noses were attracted to the scent from the Wisteria flowers.
We loved this sign explaining why some grass was left uncut.
We discovered colour in every border in the walled garden, flowering bulbs and early shrubs.
Next visit to the gardens at Croft Castle will be in May when Spring will be in”full swing”.
