the rhododendrons of Sandringham

Sandringham House is the queen's winter house, where she and her family spend their christmasses and pass winter by. It has beautiful gardens and sprawling woodlands with ponds and beautiful landscapes and is rich in historical sculptures (many of which are presents from visiting dignitaries or other monarchs) and abundant with flora and fauna this side of Europe.

From their website, it said, that Sandringham is her "much-loved country-retreat" and for its historical and visual beauty, it is very much rich in history and i say, is one of the best 'must-visit' places in England.

What's even more beautiful is it is an 8-10- minute drive by car away from me, and some biking afficionado neighbours would bring their beautiful bikes along the estate and and if you are a true-blue Norfolker, you would ramble or walk.

We have brought a number of visitors and friends who come and visit us to Sandringham House, and all of them are in awe of its beauty and its surrounding woodlands.

But before i show you what is inside the beautiful electric 'magical' gates, let me tell you about the popular rhododendrons of the Sandringham estate.

They bloom just about summer time. They are famous for so many things because all you see coming to the estate are dots and visuals of purples, lilacs, lavenders and baby pinks.

Its beauty has been marvelled by poets and writers, and the country walk when it is dotted with the colours are often painted by artists, and needless to say, many a photo-sharing online groups have a  special dedicated group for the rhododendron sandringham estate (go google!).

I remember my high school English teacher Mrs.P asked us to read a poem called rhododendrons (that was the first time i heard of the plant), so indeed it is a remarkable shrub which flowers inspire many a creative mind.

Im waiting for it to hit me.


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The Sandringham estate was abundant with these colourful shrubs.

Up close,the flower looks like this.

if you have been a long time friend, you would know, taking photos of flowers or landscapes is not one of my favourite subjects. i love looking at them, or being in the place, but as photography subjects,i love people and events more. I guess its always preference. 

Here, Adrian is  at his element, surrounded by flowers and nature. And he loves taking photos of them. He is not one of the best photographers out there, (he sometimes ends up with pictures of his thumb and fingers than the subject,but still, it makes him happy, so i let him be.)

Rhododendrons' genus are native to every continent of the world, except South America and Africa. -Wikipedia

Hey,Mr. Happy. 

'ang nawawalang damo'... some weeds can be the prettiest.

it's abundance in the woods just made the woods more magical

a thick forest of shrubs and trees surround the estate.. popular for walking, trailing and orienteering

just within a few metres is the queen's winter house. and you wonder what its like for her,too, to be in this vast space of nature.

the rhododendrons of Sandringham.

 its there to be gazed at, marvelled upon and longed for, for those who are into the beauty of the flower itself, for nature lovers, or like me, nature neophytes who are just discovering the beauty to be surrounded by nature, day,after day, after day.

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this goes without saying, remind me to take you there, when you're here.