Travel Tuesday- Granny Day Out

I'm very lucky to still have my Granny around and we try to make up for the years of living continents apart. Last year we had a monthly outing visiting all the National Trust properties within a two-hour radius. I'm not sure what the theme will be this year, but we've started with a day to Exbury gardens. 

Our first attempt to visit was scuppered through misunderstanding...Granny thought I had all day to wander round the gardens and I thought it was just a well known garden centre she wanted to have lunch at- two hours isn't enough to enjoy Exbury gardens and have lunch, so we aborted the idea, went for lunch and rearranged a full 'Granny Day Out'. Check out their website www.exbury.co.uk so you don't make the same mistake! 

Friday was a beautiful day to visit the gardens- 24 degrees C of clear skies & sunshine. Dogs are welcome all around the gardens, the trails are buggy friendly (both baby & Granny) and there's lots of areas for kids to run around and burn off steam. I was all set for a super long walk all around the park...forgetting this is a 'Granny outing'! 

We started the day by taking a guided buggy tour on a 12-seater golf cart that gave us a 40 minute overview of the entire gardens. There are over 200 acres of beautiful flowers and trees and 40 different walks you can do, so you can visit at different times throughout the year and have a different experience. Being springtime the azaleas were in full bloom and lots of other plants were coming into bloom. 

There are coffee shops and picnic areas available at different locations throughout the gardens. We brought our own picnic blanket and lunch and found a quiet spot amongst the trees for Alfie & George to run around while Granny and I had a little rest. 

It is such a beautiful and tranquil location that you can enjoy flowers, trees, fish ponds, or a view of the boats going down Beaulieu River- something for everyone! I would highly recommend visiting Exbury Gardens- why has it taken me so long to discover such a beautiful area on our doorstep?! 

Festive Friday: Mother's Day UK

It's Mothering Sunday this weekend. The UK were the first country to celebrate Mothering Sunday, which started in the 1600's. 

Traditionally children give gifts of cards and flowers on Mother's Day, and here's a crafty way of personalizing your Mother's Day gift. 

Spruce up a potted plant by placing it in a patterned box or wrap it in tissue paper. Potted plants last longer than bouquets of cut flowers & they can then be added to the garden for the following spring, so it's the gift that keeps on giving! 

My Mom has a rose that I gave her right years ago for Mother's Day and every spring the little rose bush comes into flower.