Yes, we are all fed up with the miserable weather. Even the dogs who seem to know that without the sunshine, we are more likely to stay indoors or cut our walks short. But in the watery sunshine on Sunday we decided to get out there and try to find our own slice of sunshine – even if the clouds were threatening rain.
Luckily, we found a parking space in the car park at Richmond Park which was stuffed-full with cyclists whizzing about and families sauntering across the grass. We picked up some coffees from the café cart although Alfie was disappointed that we didn’t also order bacon rolls. Then we walked up the hill towards the fenced and wooded Isabella Plantation.
Luckily, dogs are allowed if they are kept on leads http://www.royalparks.org.uk/about-us/dogs-in-royal-parks and Alfie trotted along beside us as we entered the area and started walking along the paths surrounded by trees.
The swaths of bluebells made it feel rather magical (a bit like those famous woods in Northern France) and the tall greenery made us feel quite alone. It’s peaceful here – there are no traffic sounds, just the gentle murmur of folk admiring the plants and flowers and the odd cry of delight from children as they play. We spotted some families in little nooks enjoying picnics.
Our first stop was the loos – a little wooden hut near an area that was being redeveloped. Alfie nosed around in the leaves. Then we walked through the paths to one of the many water features – a small pond which was surrounded by a large bank of the most intense pink azaleas. The water was like glass and reflected the colours of the flowers and the trees above. Beautiful. Alfie took a little drink.
Then we wandered off through the paths and across little wooden bridges over numerous streams. And all around us were more Azaleas and Rhododendrons in deep reds, light pinks, warm fuschias and pale whites. There was so much colour. And the scent from some was lovely.
We came across another area of water – this time somewhat larger. Children were playing on the stepping stones at the edge and ducks were gliding around at the edges. We sat on a bench for a while, watching the families walk by and feasting our eyes on yet more of those stunning flowers that surrounded us. There was a large meadow nearby – and all around the perimeter were yet more large banks of flowers. So many folk were out with their cameras to catch their beauty.
Continuing our walk, we marvelled at the planting genius of the gardeners here – how they had thought about the arrangements of spectacular colours against the woodland backdrop. We arrived at another expanse of water – much larger this time – and with a large wooden deck overhanging the edge so that you can peer into the depths and watch out for fish. There are paths here to take you further into wild woodland but we returned to those that twisted through what seemed like acres and acres of bright flowers.
The English weather may be being particularly stubborn at the moment, but the flowers at Isabella Gardens tell us that Spring has definitely sprung. It’s beautiful – I urge you to go and see it before the flowering finishes.
