The First Signs of Spring

Baby Blackbird

We saw this little bird and another (who disappeared as we reached for the camera) under the laurel hedge turning the leaf litter.  It was the first week of April. We were surprised after the coldest March in our area for 30 years. We guessed a nest was occupied because the magpies had gathered but these escaped their notice. 

We planted these grape hyacinths in memory of our lovely Jack Russell Saffron in 2009. Each year they flower well in an inhospitable place without any sun at any time of the year.  We planted the bulbs quite close to the surface; the cyclamen leaves giving protection until the flowers push upwards. A brief reminder - as if we needed one - of our still missed friend. 

You can see the intensity of the sun in the top of the picture...it never lasts for long. The following day it was cold and dreary once more but these delightful tulips flower for many weeks. I am a great fan of these diminutive species. The beautiful marked leaves giving longer interest once the flowers are spent. And often if the weather is favourable seeds are set.

The Phlox is rampant but I am happy about that...it is easily clipped hard after flowering and pulled like a weed where it grows into salvia and rose...though it does swamp the poor aubretia a little. A delicate sign of spring.