Biddulph Grange Garden

This wonderful National Trust property in North Staffordshire is perfect on a bright autumn day.

The weather defied the forecasts again and we had sun, strong but rather misty in quality. The reds, browns and oranges of the foliage were superb - and the area known as China was as magical as I've ever seen it.

This garden was designed and built during the mid 19th century, when the family had made lots of money and the young son who had been to Cambridge developed a taste for horticulture and exotic, fashionable Chinese gardens.

This corner, where the Acers were  magnificent against the stone gateway and the rocks, was my favourite view.

A super day out - meeting up with two friends I've known for years and years and years.....

and the sunshine was a bonus.