From floods and thick jumpers one day, to soaring temperatures and shorts the next, this year the transition from spring into summer has been a dramatic one.
Everything in the garden is on the brink of blooming and soon we will find ourselves in the dreamlike summer days of vanilla scented valerians and sweet smelling roses. I do love this time of year, so full of promise and anticipation, but before we immerse ourselves completely in those heady days of aromatic floral delights, I would like to say goodbye to Spring by paying homage to the simple, and often overlooked, leaf. For the leaf is the emblem of spring, fresh, green new growth that is both nourishing and cleansing after the winter months.
Burdocks and yellow docks are huge and healthy after all the rain and subsequent sun. The way the light plays through their leaves is so beautiful, illuminating veins and cell lines. In nature, structure and aesthetic are one seamless whole.
Is there anything more lovely than the soft-as-bunny-ears leaves of mullein? I could spent hours stroking them.
Silverweed carpets the paths and field edges with it’s feathery lightness. Such a pretty plant though generally trodden on and ignored. Cinquefoil with its characteristic five pointed leaves grows along the banks next to vetch and young horsetails.
The ash trees are finally in full leaf, they were so late this year. There is an old country saying, ‘Oak before ash, we’re in for a splash. Ash before oak we are in for a soak.’ Well maybe this year was the exception that proves the rule.
In the copse is this lovely early purple orchid with it’s distinctive spotted leaves.
And in the garden is Alchemilla, the alchemist’s plant, in all her dew dappled splendour, along with the wonderfully healthy and vigorous growth of motherwort and wormwood. Salad leaves are also growing up lush, juicy and flavourful and are gracing our plates each day.
What a joy to see the regular visitors enjoying the garden as much as I am. This female holly blue (distinguishable by the black tips to her wings) sunned herself on the ivy for several minutes before heading off to seek adventure elsewhere. Ladybirds are always welcome and what could be more joyful that the fat bottomed bumbles flitting from blossom to blossom?
Finally I couldn’t resist sharing a few early blooms. Wild Edric is now covered in flowers, bistort is cheering the garden with her pink candy tufts and chamomile and valerian have shot up and are just on the point of opening.
Wishing you all a wonderful turning of the season.
Thank you, thank you Lucinda for these beautiful reminders of home.
I have been wistfully tuning into my Hawthorns and Elder, knowing I have missed their blossoming, and wondering who else has reawakened in the garden.
Although this is a beautiful and exotic landscape in Japan, for me nothing can beat the English countryside in late Spring. You have brought it to me in one luscious moment. So thank you once again xxx
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Hi Sue, I know just what you mean, there is no place like home is there. I will be sure to dry some elderflowers for you so you can enjoy them in tea upon your return. Thank you for your lovely comment and I am enjoying following your adventures in Japan! xxx
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Good morning Lucinda,
A beautiful post that fills my heart and soul with joy, tku.
Often folk forget about the leaves, it is wonderful you pay homage to them.
I love your mini nature reserve, you caring and sharing ways.
The last three images, bistort, camomile and valerian are amongst my list of garden favourites.
In fact, I have replaced verbena bonariensis with valerian ๐ Much better to have a native plant ๐
Enjoy the sunshine……but who needs sunshine when Lucinda is around, you make the world a brighter place…….
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Oh Cheryl, you are so wonderful, thank you for your kind words. ๐ I’m so glad to hear you are enjoying the Valerians too. They really are amazing in so many ways aren’t they… for wildlife, medicinally as well as aesthetically and architecturally in the garden.
i am just off to plant a couple of things while it’s still light and warm outside.
xx
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Lovely thoughtful post. Hope you’re enjoying the sunshine. Here in Ireland it’s lovely. A great change from the rain.
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Thank you Bridget, it’s gorgeous isn’t it! Though I’m finding it hard to keep up with all the watering. ๐ I bet everything in your polytunnel is shooting up! x
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I just have to go – YAY SPRING!
Michael
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Spring is pretty awesome isn’t it. ๐
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hello, alchemilla is one of my favourites, too – I have added a couple more small ones to my herb garden this year, but the ones I brought with me from pots in London have really grown and are about to flower for the first time this year. yes, my valerian is all set to pop any time now, too! I love May – every time I look out something has changed and I love watching to see each plant coming into flower. love your photos ๐
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Hi Steph, every day is different isn’t it! I have just been away for a few days and the garden looks completely different now than when I left. All the borage is opening and the roses and chamomile are blooming. It is such a joy to observe life expressing itself in this way.
x
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Sigh…how lovely! The season of leaves and shoots. It is easy to forget the splendor of all that green when one’s attention is captivated by the first of summer’s blooms. I’m so glad you’ve diverted my attention back again and reminded me to fully savor spring before it slips away into the full grasp of summer. XOXO
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Hello lovely one. There is something very special about the green and the leaves isn’t there. There are so many variations and amazing adaptations, nature is constantly captivating.
The roses are just opening in the garden now and I am excited about the blooms too.
Much love to you xxx
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