Bodnant Garden: Wonder of Wales

September 5, 2021September 5, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

It’s a short distance from Manchester to the border with Wales. Travel along the country’s north coast and you’ll come to the delight that is Bodnant Garden. READ MORE BELOW

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This property, now cared for by the National Trust, is a magnificent place to wile away your time.

It’s packed with plants in a variety of settings from lush riversides to formal gardens.

Bodnant’s crowning glory has to be the Pin Mill, a handsome building next to a long lilypond. Wales’ answer to the Taj Mahal?

A lot of staycationers from nearby seaside resort Llandudno visit here, so come early to avoid the crowds. A beautiful spot to have largely to yourself!

Manchester oasis

August 8, 2021August 4, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / Leave a comment

Walkden Gardens is a beautiful little place tucked away near Sale, a suburban area of south Manchester.

I visited for the first time on a hot day and was struck by the peace, quiet and cool little corners.

It’s a relatively small plot, criss-crossed with hedges and pathways which make it feel like a maze. I ran into someone who was lost and asked where the entrance was!

The gardens are understated but peppered with delightful blooms, while the dovecote and pergola walk are special features. Enjoy this little tour…

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Shugborough: A photographer’s paradise

July 25, 2021July 25, 2021 / mikeosbornphoto / 8 Comments

A true getaway from Manchester, with a 90-minute drive to the rolling countryside of Staffordshire and a magnificent country estate.

Shugborough was the home of famous royal and society photographer Lord Patrick Lichfield, until his death in 2005.

This connection added an extra dimension to a day out exploring and photographing the vast estate, including its beautiful walled garden, fabulous follies and lavish interiors of the big house.

It was an absolute pleasure on a summer’s day. You should visit if you get the chance.

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Manchester’s winter haven

January 26, 2020October 26, 2020 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

This was a return visit to Fletcher Moss Park, a beautiful nature spot in Didsbury, south Manchester.

The last time I wandered around there with my camera was in late summer 2018, when it was a lush riot of colour. The park’s famous Poplar walkway was full and verdant.

In January the great trees were bare and mournful. The rock garden was showing signs of death and decay. But amongst this were the early green shoots of Spring, those signs of hope.

The colour cast of my two Fletcher Moss sets is very different. But Manchester folk still visit to walk their dogs, stretch their legs and enjoy this city haven – whatever the season.

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The north in bloom

April 28, 2019April 16, 2024 / mikeosbornphoto / 5 Comments

I’ve taken a year-long career break and have spent several months travelling. But it’s also a great opportunity to be at home and have the freedom to enjoy what’s nearby.

On a recent spell of warm, Spring weather I visited Dunham Massey, a National Trust property close to Manchester. The expectation was a carpet of bluebells, but instead there was a vibrant display of tulips.

I was using my secondary, more portable Fuji and finally cracked its macro capabilities. Back at home I continued my shoot with some leftover flowers and new plants on the balcony. Maybe there’s truth in the old adage that home’s best…