The joys of spring

Halfway through today's walk I could bear it no longer and pulled out the camera to record some of "the joys of spring" along the way -

Most of the camellias and magnolias are nearing the end of their bloomtime - all the more reason to have a good look at them -

 Over the hill and down to the dale ...

 ... to Rathcoole Gardens, where the wallflowers have come back in glory -

and tulips, skimmia, forget-me-nots, and small self-seeded plants with an unknown name are bursting out too -

Later in the week I'll bring secateurs and get to work, before a trip to the garden centre ... the window boxes need attention, and there's a plan to put a planter in the sunny spot beside the back door to grow herbs, instead of paying ££ for them at the supermarket. (I do love a trip to the garden centre!)

All this burgeoning certainly raises the spirits. Shine on, sweet sun, shine on...