Tag: Daffodils

Posted in Allotment, nature

March Arrives like a Lion

Posted on by BITM

I’ve slowly started to emerge from hibernation now that Imbolc, the half way point between the Winter solstice and Spring equinox, (meaning ‘In the belly of the mother’- referring to the first stirrings of the years new growth) has passed; mirroring the snowdrops, winter aconites and hazel flowers (the first signs of the transition into the next season).

The scents of Daphne, Mahonia and Sarcococca fill the air alongside the arrival of other spring flowers; daffodils, cyclamen, crocus and hellebores. Willow (Salix) catkins are also opening while Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) blossoms fill the roadsides with glorious white clouds.

Although it has still been too early for most allotment activities, the rhubarb has been emerging on the plot for the last month. I still haven’t cut back perennials as I want to allow cover for beneficial insects such as sheltering ladybirds (Coccinellidae) until the weather makes their survival easier. Instead February is mainly a month for planning the forthcoming years growing (thinking about chitting potatoes and planning seed sowing). One job I have begun however is the indoor Sweet pea and Chilli seed sowing. This small step gives me hope that I will soon be able to sow other seeds soon.

Although I am beginning to think ahead, I am still fondly holding on to snuggly sofa moments such as reading and partaking in arts and crafts, especially on wet days.

Through the winter I still immersed myself in nature. In January I pruned my apple tree on the allotment, blessing and giving thanks through Wassailing. Although symbolic, it was a nice way to feel deeply connected to the plot. I am grateful to be a guardian over it and receive the abundance of fruit, veg and flowers in return.

I saw quite a few foxes (Vulpes vulpes) over the winter too, including one on the allotment. It was such a beautiful moment to watch it foraging under trees.

Once again, I took part in the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch in January. The list of birds I saw this time were;
4 Long-tailed tits (Aegithalos caudatus)
5 Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
1 Blackbird (Turdus merula)
3 Wood pigeons (Columba palumbus)
5 Sparrows (Passer domesticus)
2 Blue tits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
1 Greenfinch (Chloris chloris)
1 Great tit (Parus major)
6 Magpies (Pica pica)
1 Gull (Larinae) and
1 Red kite (Milvus milvus)

There is a small group of Ring-necked Parakeet (Psittacula krameri) that visit a nearby tree of late but frustratingly they didn’t show up during the observation hour.

During February, bird song continued to fill the skies, growing in frequency and volume. Also occasionally insects have boldly buzzed and fluttered about on the odd sunny days. Butterflies I noticed were a Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) and Peacock (Aglais io); the latter I saved from an abandoned spider web.
I have also seen bees visiting mahonia, crocuses and hellebores, especially queen bumblebees.

Last week, I was excited to find some Jelly ear fungus (Auricularia auricula-judae) for the first time. They were growing on a Buddleia bush. Although this fungus is usually associated with elder (Sambucus) it can also be found on other hard woods like sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus), ash (Fraxinus) and beech (Fagus) in damp shady conditions. Perhaps the fungus was thriving on the Buddleia, in the garden I visited, because of the recent weather as well as it being planted near a beech hedge.  Interestingly this fungus can continue to grow on dying wood that has been thawed, once frozen; hence it can survive really cold winters. The common name was given to this fungi because of how it looks and also its jelly-like texture.


Worryingly, it has been a very mild winter overall with lots of flooding occurring in Britain; certainly very different from last winter. So far the wet weather is continuing into March; hopefully the month will exit like a lamb and the roaring weather won’t continue too much in spring, as it will have an affect pollinators. We will have to see what the rest of 2024 has in store.

Posted in nature

Daffodils in Snow

Posted on by BITM

Daffodils (Narcissus) began to bloom at the beginning of March, in time for St David’s day, together with Hellebores.  Since then wildflowers including Red dead nettle (Lamium purpureum), Speedwell (Veronica), Celandine (Ficaria verna), Dandelions (Taraxacum), Primroses, Cowslips (Primula veris), Daisies (Bellis perennis), Dog violets (Viola riviniana) and Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis) have joined them. It’s lovely to see all the colour developing, taking over from the Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis) and early flowering Crocuses that have started to whither. I have even noticed Bluebell (Hyacinthoides non-scripta) leaves showing now too, it wont be long before they flower.

Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), the first trees of the year to bloom are putting on a show, their blossom resembling white clouds lining the roads. Willow (Salix) aren’t far behind, their buds ready to burst open. Even Magnolias, Camelias and Forsythia (in gardens) are beginning to flower as well. The male catkins on Poplar trees are noticeable now too.

Red male Poplar catkins on a twig fallen in the strong winds.

I have also witnessed the first queen Buff-tailed (Bombus terrestris) bumblebees venturing out on the few warmer sunnier days that we have had. Seeking energy sources as the venture out from hibernation. I also noticed a Brimstone (Gonepteryx rhamni) butterfly flutter passed me last week while the previous Friday a Peacock (Aglais io) butterfly flew passed as I worked. It was also lovely to see lots of Smooth newt (Lissotriton vulgaris) in a garden pond last Wednesday. The newts were almost full sized and looked fully developed already.

Although 20th of March was the Spring equinox we experienced a cold northerly blast of weather a few weeks ago. The wintery showers that arrived brought snow. During this transitional time, March weather can be very mixed. Although spring has sprung, winters grasp still holds on; It was strange to see Daffodils poking above snow for a day.

During a few of the snowy days, I witnessed a wonderful sight of a female Sparrowhawk (Accipiter nisus) perched on top of a tree and later in flight as it swooped towards a smaller bird in a more wooded area of town. Presumably the weather had forced it out into the open to search for food. It’s size, together with its dark brown head back, tail and wings together with a pale breast made it clear to identify. Males are a bluey grey colouring with pale breasts and orange highlights. Males are about 25% smaller than the females, the size of a Collared dove (Streptopelia decaocto).

These birds are protected under the Wildlife and Countryside Act 1981 because they are Amber Under the Red List, Birds of Conservation Concern 5: (2021).

Often found in woodlands or open ground nearby, as well as gardens in urban settings, Sparrowhawks are the most commonly seen bird of prey in the UK. They can be seen throughout the year eating smaller birds, rodents and also rabbits when their regular food is scarce. In fact many years ago I witnessed a male Sparrowhawk take down a city pigeon (Columba livia). Although similar in size, and although the feral pigeon was doing its best to escape the Sparrowhawks clutches it didn’t win the fight.

Sparrowhawk breeding will occur between May and the end of July, laying 4-5 eggs.

Although mostly silent, these birds do have a call which can be heard on the RSPB website here.

Posted in nature

Reawakening

Posted on by BITM

There have been really cold moments this January, with temperatures barely reaching positive numbers here in the UK and some areas experiencing more snow; however nature has started to emerge once again.

On a walk a few weeks ago, I noticed Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa) buds ready to burst open and the tiny red female Hazel (Corylus avellana) flowers open alongside male catkins.

Blackthorn buds
Hazel flower and catkins

Cyclamen and Snowdrops (Galanthus) are also blooming now and even Daffodils (Narcissus) and Crocus are beginning to push through the now defrosted ground.

Last weekend was the annual RSPB’s Big Garden Birdwatch. My results this year were;
3 Wood pigeon (Columba palumbus)
5 Starlings (Sturnus vulgaris)
2 Blackbirds (Turdus merula)- 1 female and 1 male
2 Great tits (Parus major)
1 Magpie (Pica pica)
1 Robin (Erithacus rubecula)
3 Bluetits (Cyanistes caeruleus)
2 House sparrows (Passer domesticus)- 1 male and 1 female
2 Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis) along with
2 Carrion crows (Corvus corone)

It’s hard to believe it’s now February. As usual during January I slowed and hunkered down, reflecting nature at this time. Yet the wild flowers are beginning to stir and birds pairing up. It isn’t long before spring arrives and I am already starting to plan what I shall grow on the allotment this year.

Posted in nature

An Interaction with a Blackbird

Posted on by BITM

I can’t believe March has arrived already. Blackthorn (Prunus spinosa), Sweet violet (Viola odorata) and Daffodils are in full bloom.

It wasn’t so long ago that we had the stormy weather and Snowdrops were at their best; the year seems to be advancing in leaps and bounds now.

The temperature last Thursday reached 16°C which encouraged butterflies to flutter about. I noticed several Brimstones (Gonepteryx rhamni) as well as the Red admiral (Vanessa atalanta) below.

A Red admiral feeding from a Daphne, a delight for the senses, both visual and aroma.

Along with these beautiful sightings, there were a couple of amazing nature experiences that particularly stood out over the past few weeks.

The first was due to the recent storms. While clearing up tree debris a few days later, I found a Red kite (Milvus milvus) feather which had blown to the ground. I have since added it to my version of a nature table (a vintage printing tray) along with my other treasure finds.

I love the shape, colour and pattern of this Red kite feather.

The second took place last Wednesday. While carefully tidying up another garden, to allow for the new spring growth which is already appearing, I noticed a young male Blackbird (Turdus merula) following and closely foraging next to me, just like Robins (Erithacus rubecula) often do in gardens. At one point, it appeared to watch me as I worked (seemingly unphased as I kept my movements to a minimum, so as to not alarm him). Eventually it moved further away but started to make a low repetitive ‘pok pok’ call, at both me and my colleague who was a short distance away (presumably thinking we were predators). This interactive experience was particularly moving; I am used to Robins being close by and making themselves known but never a Blackbird before. The call I heard the blackbird make can be heard on the Sussex Wildlife Trust website.

Posted in nature

🎵It’s Beginning…

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… to look a lot like springtime, everywhere you go. 🎶

There are lots of early flowering plants blooming at the moment; spring is definitely in the air.

Daffodils
Birdseye speedwell (Veronica persica)
Crocus tommasinianus
Anemone blanda
Lesser celandine (Ficaria verna)
Hellebores, Crocus tommasinianus, Iris reticulata and Winter aconites (Eranthis hyemalis)
Tete-a-tete and Muscari
Camellia
Iris unguicularis
Posted in nature

Gardens and Nature Never Sleep

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It is always nice to see flowers begin to bloom while others, that have performed throughout the year, wain. On one walk last week I came across a patch of Common Hogweed (Heracleum sphondylium) flowering.

It usually blooms between June and September so it must have been having one last flourish.
Common hogweed is from the same plant family as Ground elder (Aegopodium podagraria) and Cow parsley (Anthriscus sylvestris). All three native umbellifer plants are great for pollinators like hoverflies, Soldier beetles, some butterflies along with short-tongued bees, because these insects need flat flowers in order to gain access to pollen and nectar. Common hogweed is a tall wildflower growing up to six feet in damp conditions along waysides, open woodland, next to riverbanks and amongst rough grassland. It is also called Cow parsnip and had some other interesting names in the past, including Limberscrimps (in Cornwall), Wippul-Squip (Northamptonshire), Cowbumble (gloucestershire).

Gardens also continue to show signs of life at this time. The phrase ‘putting gardens to bed’ in winter is often a misnomer and rarely happens. They are never entirely in hibernation as something is usually awake, even if it is only visiting birds. Plus winter or spring flowering plants begin to bloom and grow now. Last week I noticed Hellebores starting to flower

along with Snowdrops (Galanthus)

and Daffodils (Narcissus)

peaking through the soil.

A bird that is easier to see these days are Ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri). They were particularly prominent in one garden I worked at last week where a group kept flying between several trees, before eventually settling within a Eucalyptus tree.

Two parakeets silhouetted in a Eucalyptus tree.

These birds and trees were introduced into this country from warmer areas of the world, yet both species can cope with the colder uk climate.

The evergreen Eucalyptus tree leaves are a bluish green colour when mature. Eucalyptus oil is obtained from the mature leaves, known for its antiseptic properties together with a distinctive aroma.  Immature leaves are more rounded and a bluish shade. The tree flowers from July to October and are especially liked by bees and other pollinators.

Ring-necked parakeets (Psittacula krameri) are parrots that originated from Asia. The history of their introduction to the UK is explained by the RSPB here.

These birds have successfully breeded in this country for years to become a familiar sight in the south-east, particularly urban areas of Hertfordshire, Kent, Surrey and Sussex; their range extending further and further from London. Although they can be observed (and more often heard) throughout the year winter, when the trees are bare, is the best time to see them perched upon branches; unless you are lucky enough to have them visiting bird tables in your garden. They eat a variety of food, having developed an omnivorous diet as they naturalised over here (even though they remain vegetarian in Asia). While they usually eat seeds, fruit, nuts and berries they have been known to feast on scraps left out, including meat scraps. In fact it’s believed they can survive UK winters because they feed from bird tables.

Ring-necked parakeets are very social and can be seen in large flocks containing hundreds of birds. This can make them very noisy and therefore a nuisance in some peoples eyes. Yet whatever your opinion on these birds there is no denying their beautiful colours which seem to become more vivid at this time of year. Even on bleak days beauty exists; sometimes you just have to amend your focus to see it.

Posted in nature

First Signs of Snow(drops)

Posted on by BITM

The cold weather is setting in, days continue to shorten and the gardens seem dorment; it is easy to feel gloomy when the sun isn’t shining. Yet, even at this time of year, life is beginning to break through. Last week Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis), Daffodils (Narcissus) and Hellebore flowers (Helleborus) started to show themselves. It is lovely to see these small signs of growth. It is a reminder that even in the darkest days small glimmers of hope can be found if you look carefully.

Snowdrops (the Latin name meaning ‘Milk flower of the snow’) are simple yet elegant. There are 2,500 varieties, the rarest are highly prized. Some gardens have collections of snowdrops which can be visited in February such as
Colesbourne gardens and
Benington Lordship garden.

The substance galantamine (contained in Snowdrops and other plants from the Amaryllidaceae family) has been used in the drug Reminyl for the treatment of Alzheimer’s. A fact I discovered when I visited the Chelsea Physics Garden earlier in the year.

Hellebores complement Snowdrops nicely. The Hellebore traditionally associated with Christmas is the early flowering Christmas Rose (Helleborus Niger). It is referred to as a rose because the flower resembles those of wild roses; it isn’t part of the Rosa genus. Other Hellebores (Helleborus hybridus) begin to flower a little later. There are different varieties of each species. Hellebores have a long flowering season, blooming until March.

Cutting back the old leaves of this perennial from late autumn has two advantages. Firstly it enables you to see the beautiful flowers more clearly and secondly it prevents leaf spot from spreading further.

Hellebores are great for pollinators, like solitary bees which are searching for food in early spring. They can also make lovely cut flowers.

Hellebores have a tendency to cross pollinate and self seed easily, producing increasingly murky colours if left to keep growing on. However, the seeds can be cleared quickly by hoeing or by cutting the flowers off before germination can occur.

If these two plants aren’t enough to bring joy at this time of year then hearing Robins (Erithacus rubecula) sing loudly is wonderfully uplifting. Along with Robins other birds are easy to spot now trees are bare.

I had an unusual sighting last week, that of a Great Spotted Woodpecker (Dendrocopos major). It held onto the side of a tree trunk as I entered a garden. I accidentally disturbed it so it crept round to the back of the tree before eventually flying off. It appeared to be feeding. Woodpeckers capture insects or larvae with their long sticky tongues; however during winter they can start eating berries and from bird feeders too.

On route to Wales, at the weekend, I noticed a Kestral (Falco tinnunculus) hovering alongside the motorway. Clearly it was making the most of the brief break in the clouds looking for small mammals, birds, worms or insects.

It was lovely to see the Woodpecker and Kestral last week as I don’t often see these birds.