Llandegly Rocks
We found much changed for us during the winter in Wales, but Spring was not quick in coming. Indeed, winter lingered hard, and the dreams of new leaf and soft warmth were slow to be realized.
Lesser Celendine, herald of Spring
Here are some of those exciting indicators, and events, of the newly risen Springtime.
Enjoy.
The winter just passed was a hard one, and temperatures in Radnorshire reached 18 below. Luckily, our hazel-house protected us from the worst of the cold, and woolen clothes and contant movement did the rest.
Frosty cold times
As Autumn faded, soon after arrival, the leaves disappeared, and buds took a long time to return to the boughs.
bare boughs, soon to change
But when things seldom come, they wished-for come, and so it was, with great happiness, we noticed the first signs of seasonal shift.
moss flowers
oak buds later
Primrose comes early too
yellow sign of willow awakening
willow yellow goes
oak-apple releases the sleepy gall wasp
There are a number of other interesting sights and sounds from this period, which are worth a share we reckon.
a fence-line division makes one hill into two
Daffodils announce the kissing season
straight as a gate
Holly flaunts its biceps
birch paper unrolling
Rowan twisting without visible prompt
big fella stands up
one leaf, many paths
No buds on the lightning struck oak
two full moons in february, this the second
colourful landline
There is very very much we’d love to tell and show of our winter experiences, and slowly we’re trying to do just this. But with another walk to plan, the sun shining, and elderflowers, chamomile, cherries, borage and plantain to pick and process, sitting on a computer can seem the wrong move on a rare summer’s day.
So bear with us, and we’ll get this old story told properly, while the next one takes shape…
And a huge good summer to you all.