Signs of Spring

13/03/2014

We’ve had a few nice spring-like days lately (I even took my woolly gloves off this afternoon!) and tiny signs are starting to show in the garden. Because we have absolutely no idea what’s planted here, it’s fascinating to see what turns up. Like this miniature daffodil, all by itself! I’ve counted three altogether, all very separate from one another, along with a solitary snowdrop, and one purple crocus in the middle of the lawn.

13/03/2014

I have absolutely no idea what this pretty yellow flower is. Does anybody know? I must remember to go and have a look when it’s actually open, so I can try and get a better idea of what it might be. (Some kind of ranunculus, maybe? I need to go and have a proper look at the leaves.)

13/03/2014

This one, albeit another bad picture, I think is Speedwell. Not sure which variety, perhaps ivy-leaved? Again, more research needed.

13/03/2014

The ground below the pear tree is absolutely carpeted with violets!

13/03/2014

Teeny little wild ones, and the colours are so vibrant!

13/03/2014

Less vibrant but just as beautiful are these holly leaves, hiding underneath the violets. They must have come from branches trimmed away in the front garden, as we haven’t got a holly tree in the back. I just love the texture of all the veins, and the delicate outer layer peeling away.

13/03/2014

Underneath the lilac tree is a little forest of grape hyacinths just waiting to pop!

All of these flowers are in a small area, about a metre and a half square, that I’d been thinking of digging over to plant soft fruits like blackcurrants and raspberries. Now I’m thinking that the flowers can stay, and the fruit can quite easily go somewhere else.

13/03/2014

And last but not least, on the other side of the garden in the vegetable patch – rhubarb! We’ve already divided this crown into three to share with friends, and I can’t believe how many shoots are still coming up! I love the alien brain-like qualities of the leaves as they start to unfurl.

The rest of the garden is still looking pretty bare, although all of the fruit trees (apple, pear, blackthorn and cherry) have buds on them, so I’m hoping for plenty of flowers soon, followed of course by plenty of fruit!

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