Magnificent Magnolia

I tried to upload yesterday's but there seems to be some problem so will return to that later. The sun continues to shine and we are down in Devon just off the moor. Today we went to the beautiful church in Buckland Monachorum to sprinkle N's aunt's ashes in the little garden of remembrance in the churchyard. The vicar was very nice and a couple of friends from Plymouth and Okehampton were also able to be present. Afterwards we had lunch in the Drake's Arms next door (named after Sir Francis Drake) before going our different ways. N and I visited a wonderful garden nearby at the Garden House which was laid out over 8 acres in a valley just above the village. All the magnolia blossom, camelias and spring flowers were out and it was very peaceful exploring the winding paths on the side of the hill and finishing up with a cup of Earl Grey tea!

This enormous magnolia is one of a very small number in this country and so is quite a rarety. It was wonderful to see it in all its finery as there is supposed to be a frost in the next coming days when the petals are sure to turn brown.