What a wonderful weekend!

Oh I'm back from the most wonderful weekend. I spent it with my lovely husband Andy

My bestest friend Tina, with whom I laughed lots and had long and uninterrupted conversations

and her husband Mal, who will always be special as he introduced Andy and I on a Blind date....but that's a story for another day!

We stayed over looking Rutland Water, a man made reservoir, which is amazingly only 45 minutes from where I live. You can cycle ride around the edge, which, when I have felt energetic I have done on several occasions

Our hotel was the stunning Barnsdale Hall Hotel, we ate lots and lots of yummy food, Tina and I spent time in the spa, the boys played golf

we drank champagne and chocolates (and I didn't count a single point!)

and when I lay on my bed in our room, this was the view! Today, we visited Barnsdale Gardens, created by one of my hero's Geoff Hamilton. He was a presenter on the BBC's Gardeners World show and absolutely inspired me to pick up my trowel. The gardens are split up in to over 30 real life size gardens, which he created for the show

Amongst my favourites was this very pretty small courtyard garden

and my absolute favourite, the Ornamental Kitchen Garden, which combines veg, fruit and flowers, which is what we are trying to create in our own small back garden

I loved the little maze in the Country garden and just take a look at this red brick path, ooo I SO want one!

and how can you possibly not fall head over heels with spring blossom. I am so going back for another visit this summer

'till next time