Yes, spring has sprung - sorry, I couldn’t resist the cheesy title! I had some free time this afternoon so I popped up to West Dean Gardens while the sun was shining. While the walled gardens are still pretty bare there were lots of crocuses and snowdrops flowering elsewhere and there was a definite feeling of spring in the air.

Of course a visit to West Dean Gardens wouldn’t be complete without a few minutes spent with the resident cat, Hortus. When I first found her she was sitting in the fig house in between the heating pipes enjoying the sunshine. She couldn’t quite muster the enthusiasm to come and say hello to me so I took a few piccies and left her to her sunbathing. When I passed by later she’d come out of the greenhouse for a stroll and seemed quite keen to say hello. I sat down on a nearby low wall to save me crouching down and a split second later I had a cat on my lap demanding attention! We sat there together in the sunshine together for about 15 minutes before Hortus decided she’d had enough and walked off. As we sat there I wracked my brain as how to get a photo of us together. It then occurred to me that I could try my iPhone so I sneaked it out of my pocket without disturbing her highness and took a few shots at arm’s length, hoping one of them would be useable. The one I’ve posted here certainly isn’t a masterpiece of a portrait but it’s the best record I have of my close encounter of the feline kind!

Wow. Beautiful set!!! And the light in #1 is just perfect!!! huiching · 2010-03-06: 12:32

Great set and nos 1 and 2 are stunning. Lynda · 2010-03-06: 12:37

Love this set!!!! and I am now officially a big fan of Hortus...he sort've reminds me of my Hershey....:-)))) ????? · 2010-03-06: 12:37

Lovely set! # 2 is stunning! Melusine · 2010-03-06: 12:48

You are soo lucky! It is snowing again in Prague...bleh... Horfus is beautiful! Eiram · 2010-03-06: 15:27

Great set !! Love the shots of Hortus !! cd catdad · 2010-03-06: 15:38

Lovely set. A beautiful shade of violet in the second. The apple tree shot is very interesting. What kind of apple tree is it? I go apple picking from September to November here. ????? · 2010-03-06: 16:34

wonderful shots! tomie · 2010-03-06: 16:49

Love #2 - we've got some gorgeous little blue irises in our front garden - must get some shots soon! Sharon · 2010-03-06: 16:53

Splendid set! ????? · 2010-03-06: 17:01

Great set! I didn't know the iPhone took such clear pictures : ) tennischick · 2010-03-06: 21:20

Love #2....fantastic color and depth!!! The story (and shot) about your experience with Hortus made me smile :)) lookagain · 2010-03-06: 23:12

the 2nd one for me! the colour of the flower, dof and the detail is just fantastic! soubhagya · 2010-03-07: 00:53

I like snowdrops and of course, the cat ;) Contesina · 2010-03-07: 02:52

Lovely flowers & lovely cat ! sachiko · 2010-03-07: 06:53

nice azrakuki · 2010-03-07: 11:46

#2 is just lovely and the portrait is adorable. :) I like how Hortus seems very aware her photo is being taken and wants to make sure you get her good side. hehe kellybee322 · 2010-03-07: 16:45

Very nice set. Love the cat; she looks very proud. Jarvo · 2010-03-07: 20:19

At last, at last! Latecomer · 2010-03-08: 03:06

Great light in the #1, fantastic colours in the #2 and a lovely cat portrait! Wasichseh · 2010-03-08: 16:58

lovely set with variety. miltonjacob · 2010-03-08: 17:08

My yes!! Looks like spring has come to your area!! Looks like Hortus was in a bad mood!! mystic1 · 2010-03-08: 22:03

2 and 3 are lovely. I also like your self portrait with your garden friend. Looks like good company :) matteahmb · 2010-03-09: 12:10

Very nice set. The light of the first, I like the colour in the second... and Horfus in no. 4 is special... ????? · 2010-03-10: 02:00

What a beautiful shots! pandka · 2010-03-12: 03:13

Wonderful shots, I love the light in all of them! Mgb527 · 2010-03-14: 13:18

Tagged: tree apple snowdrop hortus cat flower garden westdean