As I am still awaiting a second knee replacement I am unable to walk very far and my photography is definitely not up to the standard I have seen so far, I thought I would write notes from our White End garden and field.
I first saw Brimstone butterflies a few weeks ago, out from hibernation and on the wing when the blackthorn flowers. I saw two more on Saturday 24th April which I think must be last year’s having come out of hibernation late because it has been so cold – I hope they can find enough blackthorn still in flower!!! This year’s caterpillars should be on the wing in June/July. Also the odd Red Admiral, Peacock and Tortoiseshell.
Yesterday I saw the first orange tips. Only the male have the distinctive orange, the females being all white. I find it fascinating to watch them mate. They circle round each other, getting ever higher in a close spiral.
The garden is also quite abuzz with various bees notably the spring bee distinguished by its small size and a white triangle on the head of the male. They love pulmonaria. Also some buff tailed bumbles as well as a few honey bees. Still awaiting the arrival of the mining bees. Apparently we also have some mason bees but I have yet to see them.
Walking around the field and garden we have found dandelions, ladysmock, violets, cowslips, false oxlips, primroses, bugle, white dead nettle and celandine. The buttercups are just showing their heads as is the cow parsley.
We have blue tits nesting in our bird box, a gift for Mikes 70th. It has a camera attached so we are able to see them on our telly. Magic.
Early this year we planted six new native trees in the field and under planted with wild flower seed – we look forward to seeing what comes up.
All the trees we planted were good for wildlife but one is very special. It is a wild service tree (Sorbus torminalis), which can sometimes be found in ancient woodland but the fruits were frequently to be found on sale in medieval markets as sweets. I think it may take many years to grow to that size! However it has survived our somewhat sporadic care, and is coming into leaf.
No cuckoo yet has anybody else heard one?
April flowers in Chrissie's cottage garden
Comments