A Cerulean Choir

We’ve had some fine weather in the gardens at Betley Court recently, although it has contrasted with some truly horrible periods of rain too. As the early daffodils begin to fade, later varieties such as the fragrant Narcissus Mrs Langtry and N. Barrii conspicuous (pictured above) are coming into bloom. These older daffodil varieties fill the air with a subtle perfume that I look forward to every spring. The first of the bluebells Hyancinthiodes non-scripta have appeared too in the sunnier parts of the garden, and bring their own distinctive scent on the breeze – for those of us who can smell them!

Bluebell Walks

There is the chance to experience the Betley bluebells for yourself at the end of the month, as Betley Court opens its gates once more for the annual Bluebell Walk. The grounds will be open from 1pm with the gates closing at 5pm. £5 pp, under 12s free. We welcome well behaved dogs and their owners. 29^th & 30^th April 2023. Pay on the gate or book HERE

Restoration Tour

Nigel and Su inside Betley Court (photo: Washington & Peart, Centre Space Arts)

This Sunday (23rd April 2023), at 1pm there is the chance to join us on another restoration tour of Betley Court, and don a hard hat and hi-viz jacket to see how the rebuild is going from inside the house. Its an opportunity to appreciate the craftsmanship of our conservation builders, and ask questions about the rebuild. To check availability and book tickets, go to our EVENTS PAGE

Betley Local History Society Talk

Tomorrow night (20 April 2023) at 7.30pm, I’ll be giving a talk about what we’re doing in the gardens at Betley Court. I’ll be the guest speaker at Betley Local History Society meeting, held in the Methodist Chapel in Betley. Non-members are welcome to come, and tickets can be bought on the door. This includes a hot drink and biscuits. Please contact BLHS for further details

Living Conservation in an English Country Garden - a talk by Su Hurrell — Betley Local History Society (blhs.co.uk)

Finally, to celebrate bluebell time at Betley Court, I thought I’d share some photos of the gardens along with my late father-in-law Professor Godfrey Brown’s poem about these springtime favourites.

Bluebells

Bluebells are a cerulean choir

Who sing of hope and summer

Their notes ring true in shade and sun

And cluster close to one another

 

Bluebells are a cerulean choir

Who sing an anthem to the skies

Their notes hang in the air and misty blue

That slowly fade and never dies

 

Bluebells are a cerulean choir

Who sing of life and love

Their notes rebound from tree to tree

As muted echoes of true love

 

One day maybe I’ll join the choir

And join their singing too

And then I’ll know the peace of soul

Of tranquil bluebell blue

 

Godfrey N Brown, 2007

 

All best wishes

Ladybird Su