Spring has sprung …….

…and there are the signs  all over the Gardens. The daffodils and primroses are in bloom along Lady Lucy’s Walk and the hellebores are massed in the shrubbery nearby. Take a close look at one of them; there are cream flowers freckled with purple, dusky mauve spotted with magenta, and rich purple with darker veins showing. They may hang their heads but their beauty is evident when you look in detail. Farther into the gardens, the first rhododendrons and camellias are in flower in shades of pink and red. The first bees are starting to buzz around, and it probably won’t be long until the butterflies emerge.

In the parkland, the new lambs are out in the fields, charming to observe as they play together. The birds are collecting material for their nests, watch out for the pheasants in their glorious courting plumage, with glossy heads and long tail feathers. You may well hear their raucous calls before you see them or spot the brown females scurrying through the undergrowth. In contrast, the males are as exotic as any bird of paradise!

Another bird of paradise has finally made its appearance in the conservatory. Following the recent warm weather, the Strelitzia reginae, also known as the bird of paradise flower, has burst open its buds to exhibit its showy flowers of purple and orange. So much has come into flower in the last few weeks; the huge Geranium palmatum is a mass of purple-pink veined flowers and the arum lilies are still going strong. The orange flowers of the Natal Lily, Clivia miniata, are a vivid splash of colour on the windowsill, and the cup and saucer vine cascades down from the roof. There is colour in every single bed, and the climbers on the North Wall are also coming into flower. Come and see all of this for yourself, take the time to look closely and you won’t regret it. It’s lovely to think that Spring is here and the evenings are getting lighter day by day.

And don’t forget ……….

da spring iz sprung
da grass iz riz
i wonder where da boidies iz
da bird is on da wing
my wurd, how absurd
i taught da wing was on da bird!