From the garden yesterday

Anemone time

The mild temperatures of recent weeks have encouraged a delightful display of anemones both in patio pots and in the borders.

Promises of Spring (2)

 

Promises of Spring

The photographs included  in this post and the next were taken in my garden four days ago (4 March) and provide a colourful prelude to the season ahead.

 

Orchards in Ibiza

 

 

 

 

 

 

In Spring, the orchards of Ibiza are carpeted with wild flowers.

 

‘Oh to be in England now that April’s there …’

Yesterday was a warm, sunny day   –   we have had several recently.  The flowers responded appropriately.  It was a joy to be in England now that April’s here!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Even the fish in the pond basked in the sunshine!

A confusion of rosemary and forsythia

One of the great joys in my garden at this time is seeing the rosemary and forsythia in bloom next to each other.  I don’t find the individual flowers of either shrub particularly exciting but the combinations of colour and shape are stunning and uplifting.

This image is not presented as a botanical representation.  It is an attempt to express and share my feelings

 

Click the image to enlarge

 

Riot on the border!

Yes, there truly is a riot  –  a riot of colour!  The bright sunshine of the past few days has encouraged an enthusiastic response from the spring flowers in the border.

Spring! Was that it?

We will remember 5 March.  The sun shone brightly throughout the day and the temperature rocketed to a giddy 15°C.  Had Spring sprung?  Had the new season begun a little prematurely?  Nature seemed to think so.

In the field across the lane the first lambs of the year appeared.

Some basked lazily in the sunshine.

Another shared a meal with two friends.

In the garden there seemed to be an explosion of colour.

But, as I write, it is now 6 March.  Today is cold and dull with rain threatening.  The crocuses have refused to open.  Normal service has been resumed!

Was that it?  Was that Spring?

The first Red Campion

Much of my photography serves as a diary recording or celebrating experiences and happenings, however small, as they occur.  Today’s picture belongs to this category.  Three days ago, beside the bridle way, I glimpsed the first red campion of the year, nestling beneath the young cow parsley.  At present it is alone, but no doubt it will soon be joined by others.  It may not be a technically accomplished photo but the joy it records was immense.

Red Campion

A beautiful yellow flower

Pause for a moment and enjoy the sheer beauty of the flower below  –  the soft elegance of its petals, the gentle clasp at the heart, the uplifting glow of its numerous shades of yellow and gold …..

But what is it?  Is it a chrysanthemum, or an aster or, perhaps, a dahlia?

It’s a Taraxacum Officinale.

A what?   I hear you ask.

A dens lionis, a pis en lis ….. you know, a dandelion.

Because it is regarded as an aggressive weed by gardeners the dandelion’s true beauty often passes unseen.  What a shame!  Do take another look.

Crocus time

Blue Crocus

How things change!

Just one week ago the garden was covered with a thick carpet of snow.  Today the snow has gone and has been replaced with an array of early spring flowers.