Renishaw Hall Gardens in April 2018

Do you see what I see? Of course it is the first bluebells of the year. I had hoped they would be out last week when I visited but with the extreme weather this year I wasn't sure. A walk down to the woodlands and I could smell the bluebells more I even saw them.

It is always such a joy to see the bluebells at Renishaw but this year there has been an added bonus. As the daffodils were so late in flowering there is a mix of yellow and blue in places as the two bloom together.

It's also unusual at this time of year to see the camellia walk in such full bloom. I expect this will be the last time I see them until next year.

As the entered the garden I was greeted by the sight of pink daffodils. An unusual variety but one that fits in so well here.

The main daffodil display is finally in full bloom. It has been so late this year but thankfully they have survived all the snowfall.

On the terrace there is a cheerful mix of yellows of more traditional daffodils and the first of the tulips.

Pretty petals are starting to fill the garden in form of magnolias and rhododendrons.

They have so many varieties of magnolias and rhododendrons at Renishaw that it is hard to pick out a favourite.

Another sign of spring is the return of the snake's head fritillary. They may not be the colour of a snake but certainly the right pattern.

In the herbaceous border everything is coming back to life. The only colour at the moment is some deep red tulips and the yellow crown imperials.

The gardens are coming back to life there is so much to look forward to the coming months.