Right from the end of February a russet-capped female blackcap has been frequently seen foraging amongst our hedge of ivy close to the kitchen window. These summer migrants have such a gorgeous song. It would be wonderful if they decided to nest here.
The weather remains warm and sunny. As a result the garden is already a hive of insect activity including cabbage whites, pairs of tortoiseshells spiralling over the lawn, bumble bees, ladybirds, black ants seething on-mass under stones, and little spiders scurrying over the bare soil. And on the 8th of the month, the first new leaves appeared on our willow saplings. So wonderful to see. After last year's tremendous growth we hope to start weaving them into a domed roof before too long.
Upon the surface of the pond we've seen up to five water boatmen at one time, whilst yesterday saw the arrival of this year's first pond-scater and wirly-gig beetle. The huge mass of frog's spawn has already turned into it's comma stage.
The white comfrey has begun to add it's flowers to the garden's spring glow. These flowers, much loved by bumble bees, can be quite invasive so need to be kept in check.
The weather remains warm and sunny. As a result the garden is already a hive of insect activity including cabbage whites, pairs of tortoiseshells spiralling over the lawn, bumble bees, ladybirds, black ants seething on-mass under stones, and little spiders scurrying over the bare soil. And on the 8th of the month, the first new leaves appeared on our willow saplings. So wonderful to see. After last year's tremendous growth we hope to start weaving them into a domed roof before too long.
Upon the surface of the pond we've seen up to five water boatmen at one time, whilst yesterday saw the arrival of this year's first pond-scater and wirly-gig beetle. The huge mass of frog's spawn has already turned into it's comma stage.
The white comfrey has begun to add it's flowers to the garden's spring glow. These flowers, much loved by bumble bees, can be quite invasive so need to be kept in check.