Dunham Massey

Reflection of The Orangerie within the magnificent grounds of Dunham Massey near Altrincham in north-west England. This 300 acre estate (a National Trust property since 1976), includes a deer park and the former home of the last Earl of Stamford - an impressive Georgian mansion which was used as a military hospital during WWI. 

The mansion is surrounded by a moat

 The garden tour guide was a wealth of information and he made the walk very interesting.

The vibrant red tall Tulips featured often

as did the ever-appealing Bluebells

After an hour's meandering, we headed for the tea rooms which offered delicious food and were doing a roaring trade!  

This was the view through one of the windows.

I hope you enjoyed your "sample" visit here too, as I link up with 

James' Weekend Reflection

Arrivederci Italia !

Sunrise on the morning of my departure to catch the flight to Rome and then back to Australia

after a lovely 10 day stay in central Italy to wind up an amazing 2 months of travel around the UK and Europe.

Linking in with Skywatch Friday

. . . . and some extraordinary flowers spotted in Brittany. If someone is able to identify them, I'd be very grateful !

Joining in with Nick's Floral Friday Foto and

Denise's Today's flowers

Captivating Cortona

One view from the charming hillside town of Cortona in Tuscany, Italy,

looking towards the country's 4th largest lake - Trasimeno

(that's it just off centre to the right of the mountain range)

Cortona is a fascinating township, with its narrow, cobbled lanes . . .

. . . with splashes of floral colour complementing the ancient stone buildings

. . . including Sunflowers, often symbolic of the region

One of many stepped laneways inviting further exploration (for the fit and adventurous visitors!)

. . . and again pretty floral additions brightening the pathways

Although not apparent from these images, the town was alive with locals and visitors, the streets adorned with flags and an air of excitement could be felt as preparations were underway for an outdoor evening concert in the Piazza della Repubblica. 

In the meantime, the charming galleries, cafes, bars, restaurants and souvenir shops were being kept busy.

A fascinating town, deserving of longer exploration and discoveries!

Joining in with Outdoor Wednesday

Underneath the Arches

Aah - Firenze and the early evening sun setting on the Ponte Vecchio 

spanning the River Arno: what an experience!

.... the soft yet rich ochre tones of the buildings reflect the setting sun as visitors and locals

alike jostle for positions on the bridge to farewell another stunning day.

(I didn't spend time looking in the many goldsmith & jewellery shops there, 

in case I spotted a piece or two I "just had to have"!!)

Joining in with Our World Tuesday

A puzzling plant

This plant was among many blooms to be found in the Keukenhof Gardens during early April.

I have no idea of its name and would be grateful if someone could identify it for me.

Nevertheless, it seems to fit in with the Mandarin Orange Monday theme (Thanks for hosting, Lorik)

and Today's Flowers (Thank you, Denise for hosting)

Hoping you've all had a wonderful weekend.

Biddulph Grange Gardens

Biddulph Grange Gardens are located near Stoke-on-Trent in Staffordshire, England.

National Trust listed, these 15 acre Victorian gardens were created by James Bateman in the 19th Century to showcase his collection of plants from around the world.

The house, a former Rectory (pre 1840 when purchased by Mr Bateman) has quite a fascinating history. (Wikipedia will enlighten those of you who may be interested)

I was given a delightful tour of the gardens and can well recommend a visit, especially in Spring!

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

Beautiful Coniston

In the English Lake District, on the edge of the town of Coniston.

Coniston Water lies to the west of Lake Windemere and the whole region

offers some beautiful scenery and birdlife.

While I was focussing on the magnificent display of Bluebells in the woods alongside Coniston Water, this charming Robin Redbreast appeared in my viewfinder and seemed happy to pose as I took aim through the car window - what an unexpected treat!

Linking up with Outdoor Wednesday and

Our World Tuesday

with grateful thanks to the hosts

Dizzy heights !

Spotted in Milan - window washers on a building in Milan. . . .

If you enlarge the shot below, you will be able to spot them on the 12th

or 13th floor from the top, in close to the tubular part of the building.

I reckon they'll have employment for some time to come !!!

Linking up with Our World Tuesday

and many thanks to our hostesses.

Remembering Kuekenhof

These reflected daffodils caught my eye in the Kuekenhof Gardens, in the Netherlands at the beginning of my travels in April.

The gardens cover approximately 32 hectares and in Spring provide a magnificent display of seven million tulips, daffodils and hyacinths.

It was a feast for the eyes (and camera lens!)

Happy weekend to all - and thanks, James, for your dedication in hosting this site.

Linking up with James' Weekend Reflection

Italian skies

Thunderous skies over Isola del Piano in Marche, Central Italy

The wanderer returns!  After an amazing 2 months' travel

through the UK and Europe, I have now begun the huge task of whittling down the vast number of images captured.

I concluded my adventures with a 10 day stay in the Marche region of Central Italy. The weather was wonderful, despite most afternoons bringing thunderous clouds (like that caught above) for a brief visit that didn't often produce any or much rain.

Have missed visiting your blogs!

Joining in with Skywatch Friday