Almost Wordless Wednesday - Magnificent May displays

The universe cascade at The Garden of Cosmic Speculation

Portrack House opens its doors to the public again for just one day this year - on Sunday May 5th from noon to 5.00 pm - but get there early if you're visiting because "The Garden of Cosmic Speculation" designed by Charles Jencks and his late wife Maggie Keswick, draws thousands of visitors each year. Definitely worth making the effort to see if you can! I went last year and thoroughly enjoyed my visit.

Expect to see the spectacular at the Pashley Manor Tulip Festival 

Tulips on display around the country, but particularly noteworthy are the special displays at Pashley Manor in East Sussex and Waddesdon Manor in Buckinghamshire. These blousy blooms are running a little late this year because of the long and cold winter, so Pashley has extended its Tulip Festival until 9th May.

The laburnum arch at the Dorothy Clive Garden in May

May is traditionally the month for alliums, laburnum and all the woody plants including rhododendrons, so make your way to the Dorothy Clive Garden (above) to enjoy the laburnum arch and stunning colour displays in the wooded areas, or head to Rosemary Verey's iconic garden at Barnsley House during the annual Village Garden Festival, taking place on 18th May.

And then of course, there's RHS Chelsea - surely the most famous Flower Show in the world - celebrating its centenary this year and running from 21-15 May, although I understand that tickets are like gold dust! Every day brings more news about what to look out for this year and I'm lucky enough to be there with my cameras on the first day, so watch this space.