Bloom 2012!

[whisker]

Well, I finally made it to Bloom Flower Festival on the last day! The day was glorious and you could not imagine all the crowds that had turned out with the sun. I was told that yesterday there were 8,000 there when it was a horrible day weather-wise. Today the sun was out and there were 30,000. So I was told.

I had a a quick scoot around, snapping as I went, trying to capture the atmosphere.

Here is the first pic I got on the way in.

This little fellow in the tree is unaware of an audience. Does anyone see the "Tree-faces" on the tree trunk. How many can you see?

This was the "picnic area" Can you believe it?

"Teddy" was there hugging the children and getting photographed by the parents - and me!

Here's "Teddy" again!

More to come!

[penny]

That is wonderful news!
Glad to hear the weather cooperated!

[penny]

I couldn't find any faces in the trunk.

[whisker]

I tinkered around a bit with the image to try bringing out the "faces". I "pencilled" in a little with black to emphasis the "Features" - and circled with red - which is not so easy using a mouse!

The top one

#1, stands out the most as a kind of "human" face

#2 is a little like a small monkey face - you know the ones with the little white faces.

#3 again is like a monkey face, showing eyes nose and bottom teeth.

#4 another monkey face two eyes a nose a mouth and a sort of beardy face.

Can you see any of these?

[whisker]

On my way in, as I was at the Box Office, preparing to fork out for a ticket, a woman called out to me from behind, asking me if i would like a ticket. She had a spare ticket, which she gave me for nothing. I wanted to pay her something, but she refused. So that was a good start to my outing! ;D

I walked through the park gates and underfoot was lovely where the leaves had fallen from the overhead trees.

I came through an area where various businesses had displays of their wares.

Here a young boy tries out a ride-on mower for size. ;D

[missm]

Good photos whisker. I would love to have that big Snapper.
And I would like a hug from that big ol teddy bear ;D
Cure little kids in your photos

[whisker]

MissM. There's more to come!

[penny]

Yes! Now I can see the faces - how in the world did I miss that large one at the top!!
The bear hugs, little boy on tractor - and the leaves! I LOVE that picture.
Free ticket - cool!

[whisker]

penny! Glad you found the faces. You're generally the one setting the puzzles!

[whisker]

Despite the crowds, people seemed really relaxed, and to be enjoying themselves.

Next I headed to where I saw a long walk-way which is known for its display of hanging baskets. It goes the full length along the outside of a high wall.

On the other side of the wall is a Victorian Kitchen Garden, which has been reclaimed by the Office of Public Works and which is a permanent feature there. I went into the walled garden, as I always do!

The garden recreates a Victorian Kitchen Garden, so there are lots of veggie beds and flower beds.

Here is a bed of peas - well staked up. All of the beds are edged with box hedging.

The garden is laid out in a formal design with gravel pathways dividing it up. Right across the middle is a wide pathway with extremely wide herbaceous borders running the whole length on both sides. The flowers are mainly planted in clumps and are mostly perennials. They really are a lovely sight.

[missm]

Oh,what beautiful flowers and veggie gardens.
And yes ! Those people do look so relaxed.
Looks like there was lots of sun.
I am glad you felt well enough to go and had a nice day for it.

[whisker]

MissM! Yes, it was extraordinary how nice the day turned out, because it has been awful since then.

[penny]

Lovely!! The walkway, plants, etc. What a cool exhibit of vegetables & those hanging plants.

[alphacat]

Wonderful pics Whisker. I wish I could have visited there with you. Perhaps one day. ;D

[whisker]

That would be lovely, alpha! It's always on over the June Bank Holiday!