Cold long winter -> HOT long summer!

May blossom from Hawthorne now fully in abundance means it's not only safe to cast off the thermals, but every stitch and bask like the lizards some say we once were! Mid twenties in the sun is very pleasant indeed, though as gardeners we’re craving more than a little moisture. I suspect we’ll be severely challenged this summer, perhaps even battling drought like conditions similar to that of 2003 & 06.

That last bite of winter, spring cold snap, with widespread cloak of frost, was quite a shocker, taking its toll on just about every tender green shoot. My young wisteria buds were particularly hit hard, rhododendron blooms all but wiped out, fortunately none of my 9 vegetables had yet sprouted. Half now are showing their first leaf under the watch of Scarecrow, I only hope Scareslug continues the night time fight – AKA Hedgehog; whose payment for winter rent requires to be paid in full!

Bluebells on the other hand shook off Jack’s attack, wooing us with impressive carpeted displays as always. We owe it to ourselves to enjoy these special moments and share it with others.

Since I last wrote, I had the fantastic opportunity to observe a Red Kite flying overhead, a first above my garden. Instantaneously recognisable in comparison to the Common Buzzard population, with a significantly larger wingspan, dihedral (vertical) feathered black wing tips and unmistakeable forked tail.


What is it about the first signs of summer that make us leap for joy in the way lambs leap in spring? Probably varies year on year, but I seriously enjoyed seeing my first ladybird fly by which nearly landed on my nose, swallows zooming through my garden are always a charm, and best of all - basking in the warm sunshine.

Please comment on your first joyful summer moments.

Blind mice check: Tube was empty when I lifted it, obviously rescued and a pleasing moment – though slightly offset by next door telling me he’d caught 4 in his shed this last week. Oh no, but course they hadn’t been my mice ;-), nature certainly requires an awful lot of give and take.

Blue tits are doing very well indeed, though one of the adults has a dodgy claw which hasn’t hindered its industrious spirit & anticipate fledging will happen next week (19/20 days post hatch). Mightn’t be long either before I find Collard Dove chicks pecking my sweetcorn!

At last the UK BBC Springwatch starts 31st May, whereupon many of us will be substantially entertained, enthralled and energised; justification alone for the BBC licence fee imo.

Fare thee well Tulips - TPH