Snowdrop adventures - Markeaton Park

Continuing nice weather at the beginning of February tempted me out again in search of snowdrops, so one sunny afternoon we headed to Markeaton Park in Derby.

I wasn't sure there'd be snowdrops but it's a pleasant place for a walk that I often overlook. 

Following the 'dog-walk' route around the playpark area, takes you through a wilder section with a weir, trees, and, yes!, snowdrops. Only a few small clumps, a little overgrown, but still snowdrops.

Then, past the pond where the ducks, geese and seagulls had gathered in search of food, and on to the grassed areas beyond the Orangery cafe 

Snowdrops! Again, small clumps scattered through the grass but such a welcome sight at the end of winter.

Continuing in a vaguely clockwise manner, we came to the sensory garden where I'd expected to find lots of snowdrops. There were some but not as many as expected though there were several hellebores and a clump of daffodils.

The herbaceous borders along the old driveway leading from Markeaton village into the park where mainly still in their dormant winter stage but some shrubs already had colourful blossom.

Completing the circle we ended back at the duck pond - quieter now, as all the food had been eaten - then round the play park, catching the sunset over the boating lake, and back to the car.