December and January Snow 2009 / 10
The Abbey House Gardens show new beauty in the harshest of weather conditions. In December 2009 the gardens were hit by many back to back frosts on top of a good three inchs of snow. The snow stayed on the ground for a good four days in the run up to Christmas. All the plants sensitive to such conditions were wrapped and covered to protect them from the cold winter temperatures.
The formal top gardens and celtic cross give a good perspective towards the snow covered Malmesbury Abbey.
The aerial view from the main Abbey House shows a beautiful festive scene.
The stew pond, fountain and apple tree still provide an oasis in the gardens regardless of the weather conditions.
The coi carp in the stew carp seem particularly interested in this frozen ice sculpture
The 'mound' and monastic pond in the river gardens have a new air of isolation when covered in ice and snow.
The magnificent view back up to the main Abbey House across the higher than usual River Avon, complemented by the winter sun rise.
Ian caught this Buzzard on camera early one morning feasting on a tasty snack. The wintry conditions make prey harder to come by so the wildlife can be seen much more often in the daylight hours.
For more images of the gardens throughout the seasons then click here