Spring is sprung

We had Toad in the Hole last night. For those of you who aren't Brits, this is simply sausages with batter poured over them, and then roasted until risen.
I served it with mushroom and red wine gravy.Not only did the clocks go forwward here to British Spring Time but the sun shone warmly. I did some work in the garden though I am severely limited by my knee.
You know spring has definitely arrived when the first bluebell comes out.
And the pond starts to get smothered in blanket weed,
And Forget-me-nots are in flower.
These are lovely delicate late daffodils with two flowers per stem. Aren't they delightful?



These specie tulips did not appreciate the hail and snow last weekend.
And the little tree peonies have the look of something prehistoric.

Visitors

Not wonderful photos of the ducks which had swum upstream into the garden but I'd taken them whilst chatting to Artmixter on the phone and throwing bread down to them. Who says I can't multitask?
And spring has truly sprung.

I love these tiny tête a tête daffodils. In fact I love all daffodils except when someone plants them next to pale blossom. Then the harsh yellows are just too brash.

A case for living in the South of England

My snowdrops have gone over. Now is the time to move them to their new home.
The crocuses are out.

The primulas are in full bloom.

The cowslips come up wherever they can find a place in amongst the greenery of the upcoming forget-me-nots.


The daffodils are truly in bud.
This little one, a tête a tête is even showing petal and another day or two of sun should see it fully open. Though this one is early to flower anyway.

This is lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis) also known as lords and ladies.


My hellebores are wonderful but you have to get down low to see inside the flowers.
Their subtlety is always a joy.

In the north, they might have to wait another month to see these flowers.