Spring Fest

"Spring was moving in the air above and in the earth below and all around him, penetrating even his dark and lowly house with its spirit of discontent and longing."

Like Kenneth Grahame's Mole of "Wind and the Willows", with the coming of Spring I feel like I have emerged from a cold and dreary world into a place of sunshine, light and hope.

When I signed up for Spring Fest at Mum's Simply Living Blog I was unsure what to do, so I have just taken my camera with me as I have enjoyed this tardy but beautiful Spring. I started in my own garden...

Primroses thrive on my neglect.

Pretty, jewel-like miniature daffs

Grape hycacinths; fabulous colour.

Our pear tree, it was supposed to be a dwarf!

The bees are making up for lost time.

Apple blossom; this is the first time I can remember it being out at the same time as the pear.

I continued my journey in the domain of gardeners a lot more skilled than me. These were taken at Standen, a nearby National Trust property.

I love these bright, bold tulips.

A fabulous rhododendron

Magnolias are known as "tulip trees" in our house.

Finally I settled on a few animals to complete my tour. After all, who can resist baby animals? I am lucky enough to live near a nature centre that specialises in the conservation of rare farm breeds.

This kid is an "Old English Goat". Honestly.

I always love bunnies, these two look very cosy.