Monday 1 April 2013

British Summertime Begins

Really ?
I know the clocks went forward at the weekend but.......


I still seem to be having problems matching my photos with the post title. This Paeony is very brave, poking it's nose through the snow, especially with severe frosts still forecast.


And this Corydalis is determined to flower, no matter what.


Snowdrops are still blooming, and yes, that is more snow in the background. We have just had the coldest March for fifty years. That goes right back to the swinging sixties, the decade of flower power. But flower power is definitely lacking here at the moment. Shrubs that should be in full bloom now are still in tight bud. Crocus have appeared through the snow, but are very reluctant to open.

So, a topical tip, which I really shouldn't be giving in "summer", but anyway, here goes. If your bin lid is frozen in the mornings, put a garden cane or similar stick across the rim of the bin, to hold the lid open just a fraction. Hey presto, no problem opening the bin on frosty mornings. Well, apart from the weight of snow on the bin lid.

Mother Nature is really building up quite a debt this spring. Can't wait for payback time. Heading for a heatwave !

So, how about a little competition for all you plantaholics out there ?  Can anyone identify this plant ?  It usually blooms in May in the UK. Might be a bit late this year. Please feel free to consult the internet if you're stuck. Although, somehow, I don't think it will be much help:


I never said it would be easy.

18 comments:

  1. U nas też zima nie chce odejść. Mieliśmy Święta Wielkanocne, a widokami za oknem przypominały Świeta Bożego Narodzenia. Pozdrawiam serdecznie.
    You also do not want to leave winter. We had Easter and the views out the window looked like Christmas. Yours sincerely.

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    1. Apparently spring is seven weeks behind in these parts.

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  2. Be interesting to see what plants have given up the ghost after the cold weather goes, so much for the experts telling us to plant drought gardens etc. - if this is global warming - then I'm a Dutchman!

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    1. I've just seen an article in one of the newspapers promoting drought planting this year. Wonder if it was an old article left over from last spring.

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  3. Hi Crystal,

    Hope most of your snow is melted now? Ours is mostly gone in the back, but still on the very back border and almost totally covering the front with only a couple of spots of grass peeping through now.
    I think your mystery is black Elder? lol.

    Fed up of this 'spring' already. My favourite time of year is quickly becoming my most hated! ha ha. Seriously tired of driving in the snow; or rather the emergencies is triggers at work as people panic, phone in sick etc even though the roads are clear and easily passable and all transport is still running.....

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  4. We live in the tropics and we always think that snow is a great novelty and lots of fun. Its difficult to imagine that so many issues can arise from this cold spring. I'm impressed with the purposeful growth spurts of your plants.S uch determination!

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    1. I wish I was as determined as the plants, I'm still in hibernation mode.

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  5. I was thinking it may be a Snowberry bush (duh) I wonder if you have any tips for those days when a gust of wind gets up and the dustbin lid smacks you full on the face.

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  6. Being as I'm the one who doesn't do the bins in my house - I'll pass on your tip to No 1 (and only) son :)
    Global Warming!!! Maybe in the Snow Globe!!
    I hope your plants don't suffer too much.

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    1. They are all still asleep, well most of them anyway, daffodils are coming out though.

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  7. I agree, we're definitely due a heatwave in payback for this miserable spring, it seems never ending at the moment. Nice to see your plants determined to push through the cold though.

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    1. I don't think Mother Nature's heard the bit about the heatwave yet.

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  8. Burrr, looks cold. I think it's warming up a bit now (at least in the day time). We had a love of -3 last night.

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    1. It did warm up for a bit but it's getting colder again now.

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  9. Replies
    1. Good guess, but sorry it's not a weigelia.

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