Red

We spent the day at Fairhaven Gardens, South Walsham (on the edge of the Norfolk Broads) today. It's probably the best time to visit - especially if you like Primulas - though there's plenty to see throughout the year. The gardens were developed as part of the South Walsham Hall estate but are now a separate entity, managed by a trust. There are woods, complete with many mature trees, plus rhododrendrons, on the slghtly higher ground, while the central "valley floor" has a network of water-filled channels which connect to South Walsham Broad. Paths and bridges allow visitors (and their dogs, albeit on leads) to roam and the aim of the garden management is to give a wild, natural look. The main Blip shows a group of Candelabra Primulas and the extra is a compilation, including the "King Oak" in the centre. The King is a pollard said to be around 950 years old - the Queen (bottom right) seems larger in girth but is believed to be about 150 years younger. The Primulas aren't as varied as the Harlow Carr ones, but it's lovely to see them in this setting - and it's much closer to home!!