Sunday 19 April 2009

Don't you just love this time of year.......

The ferns are just beginning to come to life.......they fascinate me at this stage.....miniature works of art.........
The Gunnera has pushed through it's winter coat and frost has damaged the edges of the leaves......I love this plant, but I must confess it is a lot of trouble. The only thing is, that come summer, the huge leaves (two metres across), make a stunning feature in the bog garden.....so it stays.......

The Spirea and Elder blacklace compliment each other perfectly.......


I found this female orange tip on a soggy daffodil bloom. It was raining heavily and the forecast suggested it was in for the day. A northerly wind help me make the decision to cut the bloom and take the butterfly into the shed.........



After spending the night in the dry, I put her out in the warmth of the morning sunshine. Thirty minutes later she had warmed up, and flew off as though nothing had happened.........
I saw these beautiful tulips on someone's blog last year.......I planted the bulbs last autumn.....
I am so glad that I did. Unfortunately I cannot remember the name. Can anyone help me out??


Yesterday I saw the first swallow.....it was feeding over the garden. I was so pleased to see them back after their long flight. I also heard the cuckoo.........one of life's pleasures for me..........
This is a wonderful time of year.........


23 comments:

Liz said...

Lovely photos Shirl, I do definitely love this time of year, it's been so hot and sunny here today after a rather cloudy morning.

Could your tulip be Tulipa Black Parrot?

Brenda Pruitt said...

I too have these ferns, and truly enjoy watching them evolve. One of nature's many wonders!
Brenda

Cyndee Greene said...

I just got introduced for the first time last year to Gunnera. When I saw it I HAD to have it. We have been thru some trials & tribulations...& I don't regret one moment.
And Rocky my squirrel came to visit for the first time a couple of days ago & climbed into my fountain for a drink along side my fairy sitting there.
It is absolutely gorgeous & in the 80's here so I am off to my River & maybe some kayaking...

SweetAnnee said...

I love the Orange Tip..I have never seen one here.It certainly looks like a Parrot Tulip .. lovely
..Smiles, Deena

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Oh yes, we are on the same wave link Cheryl. I love to see the garden unfolding.

Even though it rained all day here it affored the Robins the mud to make their nests. I have watched a Robin in front and one in back building their nests.

Happy happy Spring...

ShySongbird said...

Lovely post again Cheryl and I do agree, it is such a lovely time of year. I loved the photo of the female Orange Tip what a pretty little thing and I loved what you did for her, that is the sort of thing I do much to the amusement and surprise of friends!
My husband saw the first Swallow here today, but we haven't heard the Cuckoo yet and sadly I don't think we heard it at all last year.
Your Spirea is ahead of mine although mine is pink so may be a later one (can't remember which it is)it won't be long flowering though.
Thank you for your idea about the apple blossom, there is a reply on my post.

ChrisND said...

It is a wonderful time of year! Our ferns are still sleeping though. The orange tip looks nice - such an interesting pattern. I'm sure she was happy to avoid the rain for a night :-)

Wendy said...

Our ferns are still sleeping too. But I love to watch them unfurl. Your little butterfly is really amazing. I'm glad you took her in to stay warm and sheltered.

Your tulip does look like some kind of parrot tulip, like others have said. My mother had bright orange and red parrot tulips in her garden a long time ago.
Happy Spring!

Rose said...

Cheryl, this is definitely my favorite time of year! Even though it rained all day, I spent some time this morning walking around the garden taking pictures of all the tulips that have just opened up. Every day brings a new surprise, though the ferns haven't appeared yet. I don't know what kind of tulip that is, but I agree it's probably some type of parrot tulip. I've never seen a butterfly like this before! I'm so glad you gave it a refuge for the night; it might not have survived otherwise.

I've sent you an e-mail:)

Monica the Garden Faerie said...

I do love spring and I especially love how ferns unfurl. Very prehistoric!

NCmountainwoman said...

Yes, I do love this time of year. Doubly so this year since I can enjoy your beginnings as I wait for ours. Thanks for sharing these lovely photographs.

Cheryl said...

Hi Liz....thank you, that jogged the memory, it is Tulipa Black Parrot......

Cheryl said...

Hi Cyndee.....The gunnera is a special plant, its huge leaves are magnificent. I have been to gardens and seen them planted en masse...amazing.....

Hope you are enjoying the sunshine......

Cheryl said...

How lovely Lisa......it is wonderful to have nesting birds in the garden. Are your robins ground feeders??

Cheryl said...

Hi ShySongbird.....I have read that the cuckoo is in decline......changing climate means they may not visit UK. It would be such a sad thing, as for me, it is the sound of Spring and has always made me smile. Still it is here at the moment, and that is a blessing......

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy.....I have taken a liking to the parrot tulips....I love the frilly petals. I have not seen them in other colours, I must look out for them come autumn.....tku for telling me......

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose......I love to walk the garden in all weathers. To take my camera with me gives me much pleasure. Things can look so different in the rain.....

I do not believe the butterfly would have survived if I had left her........it was beautifuly to watch her fly away......

Libby said...

I love those tulips! think tulips are currently my favourite flower!!
Swallows and Cuckoos? Summer is very definately on its way!!!

Ruth said...

I love watching ferns develop in the spring. I have a group of them in a dark back corner of the yard.

Cheryl said...

Hi Libby I understand what you are saying....I have a bit of a thing going on with tulips at the moments......

Cheryl said...

Hi Ruth......I just love ferns, especially when they are unfurling.....i also enjoy the evergreen japanese ferns, something to look at during the dark winter months......

Pat said...

Had a hectic day but your posts always seem to bring me down to earth. Thanks,Patsi

marmee said...

dear cheryl,

this time of year is like an awakening for me...i thought i would be plantin today but it is in the forties so i will wait one more day..i hope.
i love the black and white of the spirea/elder. i love the unnamed tulip...i am drawn to the darker blooms and the contrasting very light ones.
have a happy spring day.