After all those months of sub-zero cold the recent warmer, brighter weather has prompted an explosion of floral delights as natural and cultivated blossoms finally burst forth with a kaleidoscope of joyful colours to announce the arrival of spring.
This National Trust walk sets off through the bluebell woodlands of the Alderley Edge estate, which are particularly beautiful just now, for the formal splendour of Hare Hill Gardens with its vibrant collection of rhododendrons and azaleas.
Along the way you’ll pass by a variety of trees in seasonal bloom, such as chestnuts and rowan, and all proudly displaying their new growth of shoots and leaves.
Then just before you arrive at the Gardens you will find that the meadow after Alder Wood is strewn with spring flowers and the Graylag geese on the lake to your left are trailing fluffy flotillas of goslings in their wake.
The centre piece of Hare Hill Gardens is a tranquil walled enclosure laid out with a lawn surrounded by ornamental flower beds, a pergola and wire sculptures. Outside the wall there are more than 70 varieties of rhododendrons and azaleas in a riot of colours : every shade from cream and white to pink, red and purple.
Until the end of this month the Gardens are open from 10 am to 5 pm Monday to Sunday and from Jun 2 – Oct 28 on Wed, Thrs, Sat and Sun only. So banish those winter blues at last and enjoy the flowers whilst you can.