Sunday 15 February 2009

Long live romance

I had a wonderful Valentines day yesterday, I received a beautiful card from my OH first thing, with a lovely (lump in the throat) verse, after which he announced that I would need to dress up in the evening as he was taking me out for a candle light dinner, but the added surprise was that we'd be going for a walk first so I would need to wrap up, intrigued? I was.

We left home at about 6.0 and I'd convinced myself that we were going on a ghost walk in a nearby town, but no, we went the wrong way for that. Still, I thought there was Guildford in the other direction so maybe they did ghost walks. No!!! wrong again and then we were heading for London and I still hadn't twigged. It was only as we neared Wisley gardens that I began to wonder if it might be something that was going on there and I was right this time.

The new glass house has been home to exotic butterflies for several weeks and as a special event they were hosting an evening of a walk to, and round it with a candle lit dinner for Valentines' night.
It was a truely magical experience to see the gardens lit up at night and as we approched the new glasshose it shone like a magic palace, the only problem was I was so excited I forgot to take a picture of it, but here's one of us inside that a very nice lady took for us.



It was so great to have the glasshouse to ourselves, not more that abot 30 or so people. I was really pleased I'd taken my camera and as my OH had left his at home he was happy to give me some tips.

This prayer plant only puts its leaves up like this (hence the name) at night so you never get to see the beautiful underside in the normal opening hours.





Don't you think this close up would make a wonderful mini quilt?





I had to have a go at the butterflies of course.



And this beautiful Stralitzia

We spent a delightful hour in the glasshouse and then made our way through the floodlit garden to the restaurant, which of course added to the magic of the evening.
The ambiance was lovely as there were mainly couples dining, and enjoying one anothers' company. The meal was lovely too all cooked beautifully with seasonal veg that I suspect was from their show gardens.

I think it was a wonderful surprise an one that I shall always remember.

9 comments:

Jenn Jilks said...

The depth and breadth of the joy of a Valentine celebration in a long-term relationship cannot be replaced!

Françoise said...

What a nice evening! Lucky you.
:-)

Heather said...

What a wonderful surprise. Those gorgeous leaves with their lovely patterns and the exotic butterflies. All that and a delicious meal too. Your husband has started something - where will he take you next year?!!

hippopip said...

No rope can draw or bind so fast as love can do with a single thread, so glad that you had a great evening

Helen said...

how very lucky you are. I'm glad you both shared such a wonderful evening.

Aussie Jo said...

What a wonderful hubby!!
And, oh my, that pink butterfly is just gorgeous.

Unknown said...

I read it out loud to my husband, but he not give in:-) Lucky you!

Anonymous said...

Wow, what a romantic husband. Lucky you! Your pictures are lovely too and I'm looking forward to seeing that mini quilt.

Julie said...

What an enchanted evening Sharon. You have a wonderful man there :o) quite amazing too to see those prayer plants.