Though the wind still feels cold at times isn't it wonderful that spring is with us at last. And when the showers disperse and the skies clear the sunshine feels heaven sent. In response, the garden has burst into life.
The 14th of the month was exceptionally warm and sunny, and it was with joy that we discovered the cornfield annuals had begun to germinate. The pond quickly became a hive of activity. Masses of tadpoles were now visible, and as if by magic this years' first batch of pond skaters arrived. Water boatmen, wirlygig beetles and a pair of water measurers were awake, plus a broad-bodied chaser dragonfly larvae digging it's way into a blob of frog's spawn.
Around the willow saplings Suesie found the first ladybird of the year. Here, lesser celandine is in bloom. This spring flower can be seen flowering everywhere at this time of year, and when the sun shines it creates gorgeous carpets of gleaming gold. Plant it in a cultivated border at your peril though for it is very invasive. It's best confined to the wilder areas or amongst grass.
The 14th of the month was exceptionally warm and sunny, and it was with joy that we discovered the cornfield annuals had begun to germinate. The pond quickly became a hive of activity. Masses of tadpoles were now visible, and as if by magic this years' first batch of pond skaters arrived. Water boatmen, wirlygig beetles and a pair of water measurers were awake, plus a broad-bodied chaser dragonfly larvae digging it's way into a blob of frog's spawn.
Around the willow saplings Suesie found the first ladybird of the year. Here, lesser celandine is in bloom. This spring flower can be seen flowering everywhere at this time of year, and when the sun shines it creates gorgeous carpets of gleaming gold. Plant it in a cultivated border at your peril though for it is very invasive. It's best confined to the wilder areas or amongst grass.
On the 16th an eagerly awaited batch of wild flower plugs arrived! Barely able to contain my excitement I hastened out to plant them. Some of these were to go into our new bog garden just beyond the pond, joining the purple loosestrife and flowering rush already lifted from the pool. They'll do much better here with space to spread. Arranged around them were the new arrivals; meadowsweet, bogbean and ragged robin. We'd also picked a few shade-loving plants to grow at the end of the garden under the trees. These included the lovely lady fern and that gorgeous wild flower; nettle-leaved bellflower. Kidney vetch, tufted vetch and the the beautiful field rose were also added to our growing collection of native species. Of course, the more native plants you have, the more insects and other creatures will feel attracted to stay and make a home.
So the garden is steadily greening up and bushing out, and comfrey, aubretia, forget-me-nots and periwinkle add their hues. The primroses are a magnificent sight this year.
So the garden is steadily greening up and bushing out, and comfrey, aubretia, forget-me-nots and periwinkle add their hues. The primroses are a magnificent sight this year.
Returning to the pond, the tadpoles are visibly larger now and swimming freely. The marsh marigold is covered in flower buds and is obviously going to be an awesome sight. There's even a flower forming on one of the little seedlings that were self-sown from last year's seed. We can't wait to see all the dramas and developments of the weeks to come.