Gardens & Countryside - Hampshire in May

Our holiday began simply enough for me and my Mum - a few days in Hampshire to fully recover from the nine hour plus flight to the U.K. and resulting eight hour time difference, and the chance to visit with dear friends and family.  Of course, I was not going to pass up the opportunity to observe and photograph the many gorgeous gardens and countryside that can be found throughout this lovely part of the world.  I adore cottage gardens - set amidst thatched cottages and idyllic villages - there were plenty to choose from...

 ...but first we had to get there.  I won't go into details regarding our first rental car, but needless to say - we had quite an extraordinary and exciting time, especially when the side mirror and an extremely large piece of metal scafolding  chose to fight it out in the tunnel leading to terminal one at LHR.  The car rental company staff appeared a little sceptical when I explained that their sat nav had sent us down the bike lane ('tis true!) but fortunately they were able to provide rental car number two, and thanks to my premonitions of doom (and tons of extra insurance) no harm was incurred - either financially or bodily...  Things did not get any better with the sat nav after this - as it appeared that someone had programmed it to avoid all traffic whenever possible!  We toured many lovely villages that afternoon in the surrounding counties - but I began to despair of ever arriving at our destination.

 

Finally in a fit of frustration, I turned off the unhelpful Tom Tom - and armed with "your guide to a smooth journey" and some excellent directions from passers-by, we arrived at our B & B.  These photos are all taken in and around the villages of Selborne and Upper Neatham near Holybourne. 

Simply amazing countryside, and gorgeous gardens greeted us at every turn.  I especially loved the weathered fences, wrought- iron gates, and stone walls which provide the perfect backdrop to the tidy yet prolific folliage and flowers which appear squeezed into every corner. 

Thanks to the extremely warm, dry spring experienced in the U.K. this year - early summer flowers were out en-masse.  We were also fortunate to have excellent weather during our stay (just one short but fierce thunder shower) which meant that Mum and I could relax outdoors and truly appreciate the beauty around us.

Splashes of red and yellow mixed with the soft tones of lilac, blue and violet were some of my favourites.  Cool whites contasted with shades of green.

Woodland paths tempted us to follow their lead - we were careful to watch out for the stinging nettles!

Blue flowers, lush green lawns and weathered fences are in plain sight, as well as stone walls with locked doors leading to secret gardens beyond...  So much to see and discover in such a short passage of time.



This wall hides Gilbert White's house and garden.

Possibly my favourite cottage flower if I had to choose...

Another gorgeous thatched cottage with pleached limes.

The river Wey in Upper Neatham offers a tranquil setting for both humans and wildlife.

This view of the Hanger in Selborne is so gentle and peaceful - the perfect antidote to our rather stressful arrival.  Following a perfect few days of rest, recuperation, including excellent company combined with local pub food and drink - Mum and I set off on the next leg of our journey - armed with a copy of the fully revised and updated "Trucker's Atlas of Britain!"