We really did have a lovely day, and as it was my first visit to RHS Wisley I was like a child in at th sweetshop. And so, here is post one of two. I do love sharing my adventures with you all, and this was a good one!

First up, we were perfectly timed to see the cherry trees outside the front entrance and along the main avenue in peak condition. The white petals were raining down, and it put everyone in something of a giddy mood – children were throwing the petals around like confetti, and there was much taking of selfies. I imagine Instagram is full of blossom photos! You can get the general idea below, but I suspect that really you had to be there. These are Yoshino cherry trees.

And then it’s through to the more formal gardens. A family of swans had taken up residence in the Jellicoe Canal, and were unperturbed by all the attention they were getting.

I was rather impressed by the bobbly topiary – although I can admire the skill that goes into creating some of the shapes, I am not sure that I actually like the more formal styles. This looks much more natural (though of course it isn’t).

And you would have to be even more curmudgeonly than me to dislike the array of colours here in the walled garden. I know that Wisley has been trialling a number of alternatives to Box here, following the ravages of box moth. The ones that seem to have won include Podocarpus nivalis which is a New Zealand endemic, and which now has a wide range of cultivars, including the chocolate brown shrubs that you can see in the photo below.

Then it’s off to the Alpine Meadow, and look! A host of golden daffodils.

These are these little chaps –Narcissus bulbocodium, the Petticoat Daffodil. originally from south western Europe. It apparently needs dry conditions during its dormant period, so is perfect for planting below those water-hungry deciduous trees.

I was a bit surprised to see Western Skunk Cabbage by the stream, given its invasive nature, but it is a truly spectacular plant.

And there’s something about looking back down the alley to see a full-sized tree that I find rather moving and surprising, almost as if the little trees are paying homage to the big one.

Then it’s off to the Alpine House, and what a host of treasures there are here! More Petticoat Daffodils, and a whole host of my beloved Grape Hyacinths…

Some pale cream wood anemones….

Some very fine orchids. Who knew that they grew so close to the ground? I think I’ve gotten used to the orchids that are ubiquitous in supermarkets, and have forgotten all their different forms.

These irises remind me a little of melting candles (they are Iris attica, the Greek Iris, and are tiny!)

Outside there are some Pheasant’s Eye narcissi, one of my favourite cultivars. also known as the Poet’s Narcissus. I love that it’s fragrant, and it’s often thought of as the narcissus of ancient times. If I was going to grow a narcissus, it would definitely be this one.

Well, Readers, after all that walking and looking, it was time for lunch, and a very tasty chocolate and beetroot brownie formed part of the feast. Tomorrow it’s some giant hares, a glass house, some babies and a very fine pink plant.