We did manage to get to Sheffield Park in the end (in my last post I was bemoaning the weather and the fact it might make us cancel our trip to this much beloved National Trust Garden.) even though it was slightly soggy to begin with.
The garden is essentially formed up of large lakes that intertwine with each other through little streams or waterfalls. During the summer with all of the trees full of leaves and the shrubs and flowerbeds full of glowing, scented flowers (like in this post from August 2013) it is absolutely gorgeous and very popular. As it was yesterday, there was hardly anybody there which was somewhat eerie.
The house has been divided up into flats (apparently the top flat with the balcony is for sale. Anyone interested?) so it is just the gardens and parkland that are open to the public.
Imagine having all of this in your back garden!
Even though there weren't many flowers to look at, there were an incredible amount of crinkly lichens and mosses. It was quite amazing to see them covering the branches, almost like a winter fur coat!
The silver birch trees were almost glowing against all of the soggy brown-ness (is that a word? Brownness...?) around it. They have the most fascinating bark type.
There are lots of amazing trees in the park, I think I probably take the same photos of the same trees every time we go. I just can't help myself. This one is huge!!
There weren't even that many water birds around. Two sleepy swans, two small groups of ducks and some coots and that was about it.
It was beautiful to have the garden to ourselves though.
This fallen log was simply spectacular!! Look at the fungus!!! (Fungi?) Quite incredible. All those waves and ripples, layering up on top of themselves. It was like a big yellow frilly party!
The sun started to peep out just as we were finishing our walk and heading back towards the shop and tearooms.
Just in time for me to photograph a lovely patch of snowdrops.
Afternoon tea with fruit scones (strawberry jam and clotted cream) and coffee was our reward for braving the wind and rain. Much appreciated it was too!
It was another first for me- being the only people in the tearoom. I don't think I've ever been to a National Trust tearoom where there were only empty seats. We were in the Oak Hall which was rather splendid. Loved the fireplace.
When we left the tearoom and started walking back to the car, the clouds had practically vanished, leaving the most beautiful late afternoon sunshine and blue sky. We prolonged our stay slightly and had a chat with the cows before we left. I'm so glad we went out!
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