Early Winter Garden

Most of the leaves have fallen or rather blown off the trees now after the weather of the last few weeks. After the bleak and wet weather we've had recently any sunshine is a welcome sight - it's been refreshing to catch a glimpse of some, however it does seem lower and paler in the sky now. We are at the end of November though I suppose. 

There are still many plants adding brightness to the garden. I've placed some baskets of cyclamen on the table outside the conservatory window - their vivid pink brightening up the grey days. There is still an odd rose flowering because the weather has been mild and the grass and plants are damp and dewy. 

Verbena and pampass grass brighten up a dismal day and stray autumn leaves are still blown around in the blustery weather. 

Vivid heathers and rosehips add a touch of colour around the borders. 

Autumnal Wrest Park

I think we had quite a spectacular Autumn this year and the trees were in particular very beautiful. Just before the weather turned dismal over this last few weeks, I took a look around Wrest Park in Bedfordshire an English Heritage property with beautiful gardens and grounds. We try to go there quite often so we can see it during the different seasons and varying times of year. 

It was a gorgeous calm and sunny day and the grounds were looking very bright with the trees and plants in shades of gold, russet and reds - perfect for a few pictures to capture the memory before the greyer days of winter set in. 

Autumn Sunshine in Regents Park

Here's a little bit of autumn sunshine from Regent's Park. I took the photos back in mid October and thought they may just bring some brightness now we seem to have hit some very grey and wet November days.

Take a stroll around! 

So many roses still out! 

Beautiful autumn leaves lining the pathways

Busy wildlife

Banks and banks of roses, swirling perfumes and scents

Waiting and waiting - still

Time for a sunbathe? 

Gorgeous michaelmas daisies

Lovely bright sedum

Autumn glory! 

Palaces and Plants in Prague

We visited Prague recently and were blessed with the most beautiful weather - full sun,  clear blue skies and just a hint of autumn in the air - perfect for exploring and photography. As always, on our walkabouts I kept my eye out for any flowers and greenery. 

Prague feels as though it's surrounded by hillsides and woodland greenery - the trees framing the terracotta rooftops of the city. The trees looked particularly colourful as they were just starting to turn shades of yellows and russet. 

Prague has an absolutely stunning Unesco World Heritage site that comprises of Prague castle, palaces, cathedral and churches. Prague castle is situated prominently on a hill looking over the city and has some pretty stretches of garden set amongst trees. The view of the city over the treetops is a particularly beautiful one. 

As always in a city there were some pretty window and balcony displays still in full bloom during the autumn. 

 Wenceslas Square has some stunning box hedge gardens, which give some greenery to the magnificent backdrop of the National Museum. There are cafes surrounded by colourful baskets and pots on this vibrant and lively boulevard as well as large beds of cosmos and white fragrant roses. 

And I managed to spot a little wildlife, enjoying the tree lined Vitava River - swans enjoying the sun and pigeons nestling in the statues on Charles Bridge! Prague is a most amazing and stunning city.

Venetian Windows Boxes, Walls and Plants

We were recently back in Venice, one of my favourite cities in the world. For me, it's a city rich in beautiful architecture with neverending walkways, endless canals and bridges. We came back to just relax and simply walk and wander and explore what treasures we could find round each corner and sometimes even get lost - that's so easy to do in Venice! 

Loving plants and flowers though, I couldn't help but look out for some greenery and colour as we went along and I managed to spot many beautiful window boxes and tubs, which adding even more character to unusual buildings. I couldn't help but notice trees and climbers too, spilling over walls onto the walkways, all adding a little more splendour and character to this fascinating city. 

I loved these window boxes, brimming with Daphne in full flower enjoying the October sunshine. 

There were a few other colourful sights to add to the mix! 

I couldn't resist photographing these colourful chillis at the market. Then I spotted pomegranates hanging from a tall tree spilling over a wall - its bright reddish pink fruits looking colourful against the sheer blue sky. 

Frothy Russian vine spreading along the wall.

Shutters, pots and planters brighten up the painted and distressed walls - even the washing blends in! 

And there's plenty of sleepy green courtyards and squares to stop for a rest and a drink!