Sea of Tulips

Not bluebells today but tulips.

We only had one day this week where we could fit in a visit to RHS Harlow Carr at Harrogate. Having gone to Rosemoor in Devon on our trip to the SW last week in summer conditions it was more of a four seasons day today.

We thought we might miss the tulips if we didn't go now as we are away next week but despite this wonderful bed most of them still have a long way to go and a good deal of warmer weather to bring them out.

As I went with Chris we varied our usual plan and arrived at Betty's in time for coffee instead of lunch. We then went around the gardens. Good job we did as it was cold but fine and quite sunny then.

The next part of the plan was to walk into Harrogate through the Pinewoods and the Valley Gardens. We haven't done this before; it is a good metalled path with extensive views across as far as Brimham Rocks and we could see that there was some weather coming. By the time we reached the gardens there was a hail shower.

We had lunch in the Winter Gardens (Wetherspoons) whilst it rained and sleeted and as we passed the same view point on our walk back there was a virtual 'white out' veiling the view. It was a pleasant 3.5 mile walk despite the weather and one we'll do again especially as we now realise we missed a bit out (we were following the route backwards).

Back into the Harlow Carr shop for a few sweet pea plants and then home as the sun shone again!