When I think of spring, my mind reflects on the joy that God shares with us through His garden. Each bud, petal, and flower head, designed in intricate detail.
I look forward to spotting my first snowdrop every year, as they signify hope. I also love the ranges of colours seen in the exquisite crocus, and the joyful sunny daffodils.
Scripture to encourage you today
Flowers, gardens, and seasons are often talked about in the Bible, so here are some verses about blossoming, becoming like a lovingly tended garden, and about God’s righteousness like a garden in early spring.
‘Even the wilderness and desert will be glad in those days. The wasteland will rejoice and blossom with spring crocuses.’
Isaiah 35:1 NLT
‘The Eternal One will never leave you; He will lead you in the way that you should go. When you feel dried up and worthless, God will nourish you and give you strength. And you will grow like a garden lovingly tended; you will be like a spring whose water never runs out.’
Isaiah 58:11 The Voice
‘The Sovereign Lord will show his justice to the nations of the world. Everyone will praise him! His righteousness will be like a garden in early spring, with plants springing up everywhere.’
Isaiah 61:11 NLT
Below is a list of some suggested gardens to visit this spring
March is the month of crocuses, daffodils, fritillaries, primroses, some varieties of tulips, Muscari … and their beauty always makes my heart leap in joy.
1. Spring bulbs and blossom at Kew Gardens in Surrey
Kew Gardens have beautiful planting schemes with lots of interest for everyone. The link I have included takes you to a helpful map and mobile app to show you what plants are in flower. They hold regular garden tours if you want to know more about their collections. Also for families, they have a parents’ survival guide to help you plan your day out.
2. Forde Abbey historic house and gardens in Somerset
This garden has beautiful carpets of crocuses with golden naturalised daffodils; it is a beautiful sight to see. With a nice restaurant and being dog friendly, it’s one of my favourite gardens to visit. To see my review of the gardens please see – A perfect day out
3. RHS Wisley in Surrey
Wisley is the flagship garden of the RHS, and in spring they have wonderful fritillaries, crocuses, mini irises, and hellebores to enjoy. From 18th January – 9th March 2014, they also have their special exotic butterfly event, which is sure to be a hit for all the family.
4. Home Farm in Gloucester
Home Farm is part of the gardens open for charity under the NGS scheme. It has fields and woodland with carpets of spring flowers to make your heart smile. They open on the specific days, so please check the website for further details.
5. Caerhays Castle in Cornwall
A historic 120 acre woodland garden that specialises in magnolias and camellias that is open between February and June. If you want to stay longer than a day, they have several cottages you can rent for short breaks.
6. Exbury Gardens in Hampshire
Exbury is a garden I have regularly visited since I was a young child; I always thought it was a magical place. It’s famous for fabulous displays of rhododendrons, and for its daffodil meadow. For those who love trains, it has a lovely mini steam train. It reopens after being closed for the winter on 15th March 2014.
7. Batsford Arboretum in Gloucester
This pretty 56 acre woodland garden is especially lovely to visit in spring and for a return visit in autumn. The garden has a daffodil week running from the 15th-23rd March 2013.
8. Fairhaven Woodland and Water Garden in Norfolk
This peaceful garden is a real feast for the eyes, with a variety of planting as well as wonderful place for bird watching. It specialises in rhododendrons, azaleas, and primulas.
9. Howick Gardens and Arboretum in Northumberland
This garden is described as a plantsman’s delight with snowdrops, daffodils, magnolias, and camellias. Open from the 6th February on Wednesdays-Sundays.
10. Snape Cottage Plantsman’s Garden in Dorset
This beautiful garden is a gardener’s delight, and loved by many for its spring planting schemes; with collections of snowdrops, hellebores, primroses, daffodils and so on. It opens on the 22nd February 2014, and the last Saturday of each month between March and June.
What’s your favourite spring garden to visit?
Anita
Photo © A Hunt Nita Joy Designs
NLT: Scripture quotations marked (NLT) are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2007 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.
The Voice: Scripture taken from The Voice™. Copyright © 2008 by Ecclesia Bible Society. Used by permission. All rights reserved.
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