The Old Beech Tree

 

 

We went to Hilfield Friary for their National Garden Scheme open day.  On our way to the friary we found Hilfield nature reserve run by the Dorset County Council.  Dorset Wildlife Trust also has a nature reserve in the same area, Hendover Coppice which many years ago was used by the monks for quite contemplation.  Both reserves are close to the Friary.  Found this lovely old beech tree, I think it may have been coppiced many years ago and it had grown several new stems and over the years the stems have got bigger, thicker until they merge together to form this wonderful tree. 

 

This snail was in the Secret Garden

A representation of Christ on the Cross in the Secret Garden at Hilfield Friary

Bluebells & Holly Blue

 

 

Went to Edmondsham to visit the woodlands that is now carpeted with bluebells, managed to capture this Holly Blue butterfly.

 

A Sea of Tiny Blue Faces





This is the Common Field Speedwell which I have allowed to flourish in one area of my garden, it has spread and I have a sea of tiny blue faces of these beautiful little flowers.  I have read it is an annual so I hope it will continue to reseed otherwise I will have bare earth because the grass has disappeared where this flower has spread.  The advantage for me to have this flowering and spreading is that I have less grass to cut ;-)