Friday 22 April 2011

Straight into Summer

April seems to be masquerading as mid-summer around these parts and in most of England too. This must be the third Spring in a row that we've had the paddling pool out, eaten breakfast, lunch and tea in the garden and spent sunny afternoons in the woods. Spring seems to be harsh and short nowadays. Just a few weeks ago there were frosts and cold winds but before the month is out we've been catapulted into summer.
Already the beech leaves have unfurled and things are romping away in the garden and the greenhouse. A bit too soon if I'm honest because its a few weeks yet before I can plant out our tender crops and flowers.
But we're revelling in it too, especially as summers recently seem to all be over by mid July when the cloud, rain and Atlantic fronts roll in for weeks on end. So today has been an exceptionally good Good Friday. A quick trip to town this morning to collect the meat for our family lunch on Sunday and then, after another alfresco lunch, we headed up to our favourite shady spot for a stroll through the bluebells.
They're just emerging and the delicate scent is just beautiful when you walk into the woods. There were plenty of other wildflowers too; red campion, bugle, unfurling ferns and what I think might be a common orchid but I'm not sure. Any ideas?
There's nothing we like more than being out in the woods, exploring.
And gathering too. A little wild garlic came home with us - (there are swathes of the stuff and I was very careful to take just a few leaves). Some will flavour our curry this evening and the rest I think will be nice as a cheesy toasty snack tomorrow. Hurtling into summer is rather delicious.

23 comments:

scrumptious days said...

What beautiful pictures, your walk sounds idyllic. Theanks for sharing a perfect Earth Day. Jude x

Little stitch and me said...

Bluebell woodland walks are my favourite, you day looked just perfect, happy easter.

Please may I? said...

Beautiful photos. Looks like you all had a very good Friday!

This weather has been beautiful.


X x

Joanne said...

Stephanie,
Your photos are stunning! The clarity of the flowers is so beautiful. My daughter would love to know what kind of camera you use as she is in the market for a new one.
Would you be willing to share the make of your camera?
Enjoy this lovely weekend!
Joanne

Anonymous said...

Oh wow what a beautiful woodland walk! Hope you have a fantastic easter weekend! Lets hope the summer stays! x

fabriquefantastique said...

Sigh....wish it were spring/summer here....looks very lush

Razmataz said...

We don;t get bluebells where i live in canada. They remind me of my grandmother who used to talk us on walks to see them. Seeing these makes me nostalgic for Easter.

Mag said...

What a lovely outing!

I'd say the yellow flowered plant is Yellow Archangel: http://www.plantpress.com/wildlife/o888-yellowarchangel.php
There are comments online that the garden variety is invasive. I have planted the native, wild one on a shady bank and not found it to be invasive at all.

Happy Easter!

busybusybeejay said...

Our garden is over run with wild garlic and bluebells.I really should appreciate them more!!I can't get rid of them!!
Isn't the weather wonderful and as you say we have to make the most of it because by July we will be heading downhill weatherwise.Enjoy the rest of the weekend.

Laura said...

I just missed the bluebells in the UK, having returned to the States this week. Spring is around 3 weeks behind here... but we are heading in the right direction! Have a great Easter.

Miss Holly said...

What beautiful family you have! I am a big gardener but I've never seen a bluebell....so so beautiful! We have not been hot we've had a cold sea breeze blowing for days..raw and foggy....I sort of love it.. We will be warm soon enough!! Happy Easter to you all !!!

KC'sCourt! said...

Oh what a pretty walk.
Julie xxxxxxxxx

melanie said...

What gorgeous photos :) x

Donna said...

Steph
just want to say how much reading your posts are a breath of fresh air for me. I have a particularly stressful job - and your pics and bits of charm are the perfect antidotes every evening to what ails me. Thanks for sharing your life with those of us living very far away- and very differently!

Just Original said...

The smell of wild garlic is amazing must go and find some!

Looks like a lovely walk.

Vanessa x

Pomona said...

I agree the weather is not at all springlike, but I am now wishing for rain - we are already watering far too much, and our water butts are empty. I love your photos!

Pomona x

Flora said...

hi! I'm Flora from South Korea.
I made a google blog and click 'next blog'. and I see your blog. it is really good! so I just leave comment because I like your blog. :-) lovely photos...!!

Flora xx

bibbitybob said...

Beautiful photos - that looks like a very lovely day out! Happy Easter x

The mum of all trades said...

stunning photos, can i be really cheeky and ask what camer you use? i need to buy a new one as ours was dropped.

Joanne said...

Stephanie,
I meant to say thank you for the email...I forwarded it to my daughter...you are too kind!
Cheers!
Joanne

Fiona said...

Your bluebell walk looks wonderful. They're one of my favourite flowers. Lucky to find all that wild garlic too. When we were on honeymoon my Hubbie had the most amazing wild garlic soup. I keep thinking I'd like to try to recreate it so must look out for some wild garlic myself.

Anonymous said...

Oh, you're so lucky! The weather is really bad, here in Greece, cold and rainy...Maybe U should head north for some sunshine!
As usual, beautiful photos!

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