Hopton Hall, Derbyshire

The first day of March and St David's Day was one to be enjoyed out of doors. The sun was shining in a clear blue sky and the temperature had risen a degree or two. This was a good opportunity to visit a 'snowdrop' garden. We packed a few sandwiches and a flask and headed off to Hopton Hall, near Carsington Water in Derbyshire, where their snowdrop opening season had been extended until 14 March, due to the late flowering. After eating our picnic in the car, we set off around the snowdrop trail, cameras in hand. Swathes of white spread between the trees, only broken here and there by groups of golden aconites, and species crocus (not quite open yet).

Whilst can't admit to being a fully dedicated galanthophile (well, not yet anyway), I did spot this rather beautiful variety

and wondered what it was. I'd be grateful if anyone could enlighten me. The bells were quite large, with beautiful markings.

This was our first visit to Hopton Hall, and I am looking forward to returning in the summer, when the roses in the walled garden (with its crinkle-crankle wall) will be in flower.

As for St David's Day, whilst the snowdrops are at their best, there were no daffodils in evidence,due to the cold weather. However, the Tete-a-tete planted up in my Greek pot from Thassos are about to flower (hopefully today) in the conservatory. There were no March hares to be seen yesterday either, unlike another memorable First Day of March, when Mike and I were making our way up the hill towards Minninglow ancient burial site (also in Derbyshire). On this day, too, the sky was blue and the sun shone, but there were flurries of snow in the air, and snowy hilltops on the horizon. Then, as if by magic, two March hares raced across the field in front of us!

We are blessed with another beautiful morning and once the sun has melted the frost, I hope to get outside to do some work in the garden and possibly on the plot.

To finish on the St David's Day theme - our neighbours brought us some Welsh cakes back from their weekend visit to Wales. Looking forward to breaking the diet as we are now on the last day!