The Magnificent Willow

This is one of my favourite trees and you'll have to forgive me for having blipped this more than once over the years.  I particularly enjoy a coffee stop on the walk around Pensthorpe where there are a couple of wooden benches outside a fisherman's hut.  This wonderful willow tree is right next to it.  Not only does it display a luxuriant canopy of leaves but the twisted branches also provide a sculptural shape and the tunnel effect provides an air of mystery.

I've also added an extra of some echinacea flowers in the Millennium garden which always looks so colourful this time of the year.

B suggested a walk at Pensthorpe this morning and although it was extremely busy, once one walked out into the reserve it was easy to lose people and enjoy the tranquility.