Gold amongst the bluebells

These gorgeous golden retrievers are, from left to right, Rana (mother), Bella (one of her daughters), Polly (another of her daughters) and Jenna.   Christine Henderson owns Rana and Bella, and Rosemary and Mike Wright own Polly and Jenna. The Wrights came from Kaitaia especially to see the bluebells and weren't disappointed.

Can't you just imagine stroking those soft floppy silky ears?!

Decorated dandelion dog

Georgie took this picture of Beanie, dressed in dandelion jewellry for her walk in the Woods. 

Comfort for those who have lost a loved dog...

Hi Jeannie,
My wife and I visited Roland's Wood when we were on holiday last year and again this year.

We have three dogs that we take wherever we can and we all enjoyed our time at the Woods.  I do not have any photos worthy enough to be included in your blog but if you have not seen this attachment already you might find it suitable. I do not know who the author might be but for anybody who has experienced the loss of  their dog we think it is very moving.

Kind regards to you and all the Roland's Woods helpers,
Jan, Mike and our three trouble makers - Tibetan Terrier Duffy, Cairn a girl Georgie, and our West Highland White Terrier Robbie.

Thanks for sharing that, Jan and Mike - tugging on the heartstrings of anyone who has lost a loved canine companion...

Beautiful bluebells

A post by John Horrell celebrating the bluebells :

Springtime - lambs and daffodils, longer days and mowing lawns, and here in Kerikeri, the addition of  bluebells (albeit Spanish bluebells) flowering spectacularly in a soft blue haze beneath the bare grey branches of the beech trees. Like everything in nature the exact peak of flowering will vary from season to season, but the bluebells are generally flowering for about 4 - 5 weeks from early September to early October. 

Opinions vary enormously over visitor's favourite seasons in the Woods but every seaon brings its pleasures - Rolands Wood does not suffer from the "winter drab". 
At this stage of the Wood's development  the bluebell season probably wins the popularity stakes, and this may always be the case, but recent plantings will provide interest all year round.

 Photos by David Welch

Newly planted maples with stems ranging from pink to firery red add their own drama and colour in winter months, and massed plantings will feature a range of colours - from bright orange red, through to creamy whites and pinks, which will be spectacular in a few years time.  Hellebores, foxgloves, forget-me-nots, hollyhocks will add colour and drama, reminiscent of the English gardens that Roland loved.