Walking through a carpet of bluebells

Ever since I saw Howards End, the Merchant/Ivory adaptation of E.M. Forsters novel about class relations at the turn of 20th century England, I fell in love with the bluebell woods, in which one of the scenes takes place. Years later, when watching Bright Star, a romantic, wistful film by Jane Campion, about the English poet, John Keats, I fell in love with the bluebells all over again. 

When my two youngest daughters and I decided to add another memory to life, and go to England for a week, I couldn't believe my luck when I realised that at the time of our visit, the bluebells would be in bloom. Even more so when, upon arrival, our temporary home for the week had it's own bluebell wood.

I walked through the spring carpet of  bluebells at dawn, with the soft morning light shining through the leaves. After dinner I put on my hiking boots once more, to see the sun sinking in the lake and darkness fall over the bluebells. It felt like a dream, a walk through an enchanted forest. I now understand why some people call them Fairy flowers. I don't think it is necessary to say that I, that we, loved them. I hope the photo's speak for themselves.

If you have the opportunity to go for a bluebell walk, please do. It's a magical experience.

Have a lovely week ahead!

Madelief x

Our photo's were taken in the woods near Rolvenden, at the Sissinghurst estate, at Hole Park Gardens and near Great Dixter.

The drawings were taken from the book The Country Dairy of an Edwardian Lady by Edith Holden.