What a difference a couple of days make at this time of year.  Spring can at times move at the speed of an express train.

Earlier in the week, I was saying that the Silver Birch seemed to be hanging fire.  Lots of buds forming at the tips of the fine branches, but nothing else. But today the Silver Birch sports some brand new spring green leaves….

The Birch has a grand view over the Golf Course, obviously no players able to enjoy this spring sunshine.  Like the rest of the Park it is deserted…

All seems strange… This is Saturday morning, usually the Park  on such a sunny day would be busy with folk out and about.  But even though we are allowed out for exercise I have seen only a handful of  people, all keeping their distance, selecting a line of travel that diverges from others.

Now is the time we should start to enjoy carpets of Bluebells across the woodland floor.  One of the nicest sights of spring.  The first blue flower heads are now starting to appear.  They have been in hiding, sheltered by bushy rich green clumps of  leaves.  Stems are  gradually extending,  bearing the delicate bells at the tips.  There are only a few early starters today but over the week they should multiply at a pace….  these front runners are a very welcome spring arrival.

Magnolia come in a wide variety.  Until now it has mainly been the smaller more delicate trees and flowers that have had bursting bud.  So it is now the turn of the bigger buds many with a bolder colour pallete….

With all the new growth you do feel, that despite everything else that is happening in our world, Spring is here and with it hope.

Please Remember ….

Stay Safe …. Be Kind…. Look After Each Other

11th April

(C) David Oakes 2020