Here's some of what's happening in the garden at this time of year.
The pendulous little flowers of the Solomon's seal (above) are starting to open...
...as is Dave's clematis. (I don't know why I'm calling it Dave's, except that he initially bought it. It's looking a bit pale these days. I think it needs feeding and some TLC.)
The primrose in the hanging basket is still blooming away.
We have tons of bluebells, including this one in the middle of the lawn. (Fortunately it's in the area we don't mow, in honor of No-Mow May.) That's one of our big ol' teasels in the background.
The brook thistles are starting to emerge -- they'll get bigger and fluffier as they fully open.
And finally, the new fiddleheads on the tree fern are unfurling, looking, well, just like a fiddlehead.
As you can probably tell from the photos, I didn't leave the house or garden at all yesterday, except to walk the dog in the morning. I just read and relaxed. The Russians didn't do any construction (thank God) and I was able to get through another New Yorker and get more or less caught up in blogland.
We also sorted out plans for the summer. I reserved a week in Pevensey Bay at the cottage where we've stayed twice before. We didn't feel like we could take a long or international trip because that would mean leaving Olga, so for now we're staying domestic. To be honest, even getting her to Pevensey may be quite an undertaking. Thank goodness the trains go almost straight there.
For once, why don't you and Dave hire a car for your trip to Pevensey Bay? This would help you to get out and about exploring the area with the old gal. If nervous about driving in and from London, you could pick up the hire car in Eastbourne.
ReplyDeleteNeither of us has a UK driver's license. I have a US license but because I live here I'm not supposed to use it in the UK. I could pretend to be a tourist, I suppose, but I've never driven in this country so I'm not sure how I feel about that. It's a conundrum.
DeleteAs long as you hire an automatic car you will be fine Steve. Have faith in yourself and remember - you are not a chicken! I have driven hundreds of miles in North America, New Zealand and continental Europe so if I can do it - you can too!
DeleteI drove in New Zealand with no problem, but there's no one on the road there!
DeleteI'm really happy to see the fiddleheads on the tree fern.
ReplyDeleteMe too! Such a relief!
DeleteI have never visited Pevensey Bay.
ReplyDeleteIsn't that where William The Conquerer landed in 1066 for his long term visit?
"Long-term visit" -- ha! Yes, he did indeed land there and I've visited the castle that the Normans built. In fact I blogged about it at some point.
DeleteLittle bright spots of color!
ReplyDeleteIndeed!
DeleteMany lovely things appearing now - it's so optimistic.
ReplyDeleteYep, we are on the upswing of the year.
DeleteThank goodness the Russians gave you guys a day of rest! I love the garden -- it's really coming alive with the season. And the fiddleheads are always so interesting. Makes sense, staying close to home this summer for Olga. And Pevensey Bay looked lovely last time!
ReplyDeleteThe fiddleheads are especially impressive to me, especially since we weren't sure the plant was going to survive!
DeleteI told you the tree fern would be ok.
ReplyDeleteIt will be nice for you to revisit the Pevensey Bay.
You did indeed. I hear they are very tough plants but they look so delicate.
DeleteLocal Travels Sounds A OK - The Garden Is Full Of Life Once Again
ReplyDeleteStay Strong ,
Cheers
P.S. Olga Girl Would Love A Photo Op Please
Local travel is nicer in a lot of ways. Less stress!
DeleteAww - the fiddleheads are adorable! As usual, love your garden posts.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You will get many more in coming weeks, I'm sure. :)
DeleteI agree that driving on the left might pose a challenge, particularly with passengers. Can't blame you for avoiding it. Do you plan on getting a UK driver's licence? I expect that means taking a test.
ReplyDeleteIt's not so much driving on the left that worries me, as I've done that in New Zealand. It's mostly that I'm not supposed to drive, as a resident, without a UK license, which I don't have. I could get one but it's a hassle and at this point in my life I really don't need one. (Except in rare situations like this!)
DeleteYou have so much to choose from, domestically. Olga is pleased about that I am sure.
ReplyDeleteYeah, we do not lack for interesting destinations here!
DeleteYour garden is looking good with lots of blooms. Ferns are lovely too and they spread easily. My ferns do well in acid soil with a woodchip surrounding.
ReplyDeleteYou, Dave and Olga always enjoy the Bay, and it is a lovely location.
We do like it there. Dave is happy once he's there, but getting there is never fun for him. (Even though it's just a train and a taxi!)
DeleteI love those little bluebells. All my spring bloomers are done and the summer things are coming out.
ReplyDeleteOur bluebells are about done too. I noticed the ones in my neighbor's front garden have already gone to seed.
DeleteYou've reminded me to check on my clematis. It's on the side of the house where there are no windows so I forget about it. Too early for it to bloom but it might need tying up on the trellis. Thanks for the reminder, Steve!
ReplyDeleteGlad I could help! LOL
DeleteThe primrose is a flower after my own heart- NOT AFRAID OF COLOR!
ReplyDeleteI think you'll enjoy your trip back to Pevensey Bay. You've never been in summer, have you? It will be completely different.
Primroses come in an amazing variety of colors and color combinations. They never disappoint. We went to Pevensey Bay a couple of summers ago -- we actually did summer before we did winter!
DeleteLot's a beautiful blooms happening right in your back yard. Lovely flowers.
ReplyDeleteWe are lucky to have this garden!
DeleteOh, how joyous are those fiddleheads!!!
ReplyDeleteI agree! They certainly filled ME with joy. And relief.
DeleteWhat beautiful photos of spring. My pear tree is full of blossoms right now and plants are waking up and poking their heads up through the soil.
ReplyDeletePevensey sounds nice and not to far to go. I finally remembered the house I wanted to tell you about, The Big White House in Pett level, east of Pevensey. The wall of windows looking out onto the ocean looks like paintings. I saw a documentary about the house when I was last in England.
https://alexpeaketomkinson.com/petshop
Oh, I hadn't heard of that house! It looks very cool. It sounds like the whole area would be worth exploring, especially if I might run into a Pet Shop Boy. LOL
DeleteYour yard is such a treat, so much to look at. I love that you do no-Mow May, so do the bugs and the birds.
ReplyDeleteI hope so! And that's why we let the teasels grow in the lawn. The bees love them.
DeleteI love all these photos! I wonder if the bluebell in the middle of the lawn will survive your "bulldozer"? 😂 🐶
ReplyDeleteIt's already been trampled but I've propped it up and so far that has worked!
DeleteDriving on the other side of the road would severely challenge my non-spatial brain. (especially turning) I love days when we can focus on the small and beautiful things around us!
ReplyDeleteI remember when I did it in New Zealand that it was easier than I thought it would be, but there was virtually no traffic there.
DeleteYou have some nice colours in your garden. I'm looking forward to something besides brown and (small) bits of green. Soon ... soon!
ReplyDeleteKeep repeating...soon soon soon!
DeleteThese are really lovely pictures.
ReplyDeleteThank you!
DeleteEverything looks great! I don't have much coming up because it's been so dry, but we had rain today.
ReplyDeleteLove,
Janie
Spring is often dry in Florida, from what I remember. Summer rains are coming, though.
Delete