I’ve been getting rather impatient for some gardens near me in West and East Sussex to unlock their gates and let in visitors, but I have to wait until the end of March. Luckily Wakehurst is close by and open all seasons. Of course, I chose the one day this week when there was a freezing cold wind and, instead of spring, it felt like winter was nipping my fingers again. That’s March for you.
I headed for the walled garden in the hope of some colour therapy but it was too soon. Everything was beige, green and brown. I was running out of time before the school run but I decided to head out in the gardens for a short stroll before leaving.
Phlomis purpurea 
Phlomis samia subsp Maroccana
That’s when I noticed there were hues of pink, purples and reds flashing boldly here and there. The landscape was throwing off its winter garb and giving a preview of its spring look. There was the ‘Airy Fairy’ rhododendron dancing away in the wind. The same one that gave me spring hope this time last year at Wakehurst. And magnolia flowers dramatically giving the sky air kisses. Grass and branches were wearing fallen Magnolia petals as accessories. Like Miley Cyrus has said, “Pink isn’t just a colour, it’s an attitude.” 
Tellima grandiflora
Erysimum Bowles’ Mauve
‘Airy Fairy’ Rhododendron
Magnolia tree
So just a few more weeks and the gardens should be like catwalks filled with the new spring colours. I’ll be there in the front row ready to admire them.
It’s bonkers that there’s magnolias out already isn’t it? Hopefully I might even make it there myself this year (though like this comment I’ll more than likely be late 🙂 )
what a beautiful place. and you found some color! i have been loving all the magnolia trees near us. happy spring!
It is so frustrating when gardens are closed, I quite agree. We have been eager for everything to begin again too. So much beautiful colour at Wakehurst already, and beyond the usual spring bulbs too. Lovely.
So many beautiful pictures here, I love Spring 🙂
Ah the Magnolia, such a wonderful tree and I wish I had the room for one. Love your description of the pink blooms giving the sky air kisses.
I just adore walled gardens and your shots capture such beauty! The magnolia is stunning too. Beautiful post #HDYGG
What a stroke of luck, stumbling upon all that colour on a cold day 🙂 I like the contrast between the first and second half of this post – it says everything about this time of year. Swooning over those magnolias!
i’d love some greenness in my life, you really have to look hard to find anything but beige here in Dubai
Pink really is such an optimistic colour!
I find this time of year frustrating, promises are there of colourful times ahead but the browns are clutching on strong.
Thank you for joining in again Kriss x
I know Annie – it’s that midpoint where you just want spring to hurry up and show up in full colour.