It has been far too long since I had a day out actually taking photographs - so much time lately spent writing proposals, preparing submissions, writing articles, working on my website and of course, the inevitable admin and accounts which just have to be done. So as I had to stop over in York to participate in an Assessment Day with the BIPP, I planned to spend a day at RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate.

What a great day! The weather was gorgeous - not too hot but nice and warm, the sun not too bright so no contrasty shadows - in other words a great day for flower photography.

After I arrived, I made straight for the kitchen garden as I knew that here would be the plants in which I find myself always drawn. Maybe that is something to do with the research I did as part of the MA in Fine Art or maybe that was why I did that research but I just always find these plants to be most interesting. Giant Aliums caught my attention first so I spent some time with them before moving on to an entire display of Sea Hollies. These looked quite dazzling in the sun and I spent some time with them before some seductive large, bright red, purple and mauve Poppies caught my eye. After the lovely Monarda, Foxgloves, Iridae and Daisies, I made my way to Betty's for coffee and quiche and to soak up the atmosphere.

I have a fascination with grasses and wild flower meadows, so after my break I headed for that section and was not disappointed. There is just something about wild flowers that is so much more appealing to me than any number of beautifully arranged and planted horticultural specimens. I just love seeing things grow wherever they happen to rather than where someone has deliberately planted them. OK, I know at somewhere like the RHS gardens even the wild flowers have been planted but it is done sympathetically and in such a way as to feel natural.

Unfortunately, my hayfever kicked in as soon as I reached the wildflower meadow - an occupational hazard which makes photographing what are sometimes tiny flowers, on your knees and up close, quite challenging! It certainly took some effort and made a few people passing by, chuckle.

Notwithstanding, I did the best I could and then took a walk through the woodland and just enjoyed being out in the sun and making some images. Some should make their way into my stock library whilst others I might play with.

I got back to my car just as the rain started so some good timing. All in all, a good day out and well worth a visit if you enjoys flowers or gardening.