Spinning With A View: Alnwick Garden

I’ve always enjoyed knitting with a view. This usually entails a drive to the beach. I sit in the car watching the waves (and knitting) while K walks the dog. I recently acquired a battery pack for my little e-spinner, so I can spin yarn anywhere. I took it outside for the first time today for some very scenic spinning at the Alnwick Garden.

We wandered up to the walled garden first of all. In spring this part of the garden has a spectacular display of tulips.

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There are a couple of secluded little secret gardens, sheltered by tall yew hedges with a central pool and fountain.

I stopped at a bench here and spun some of the alpaca fibre I prepared. It is such a peaceful spot.

Our next stop was the Cherry Orchard. Here 329 Taihaku cherry trees are planted on a steep slope. At the moment the cherry blossom is at its peak and it is breathtaking.

Every branch is smothered in white flowers which are alive with bees feasting on the nectar .

A path snakes down the bank through the trees in a series of hairpins, past benches and swing seats. I stopped here for a bit more spinning.

On we went past the poison garden and stopped for a coffee on the lawns in front of the grand cascade.

I’d packed my spinning into a little old picnic hamper which also balances on the front of my scooter so I can set up on there.

It was a perfect spring day, with hardly a cloud in the sky and warm in the sun out of the wind. I’m looking forward to a lot more more al fresco spinning this summer.