Spring is a prime time for blue flowers and my daily walks currently have several from the same plant family* lining the local footpaths. As I walked past the Donkey Field the other day, I overheard some children ask their parents** what the pictured blue flower was. It reminded me it's often mistaken for those other familial blues and this time was no different, as they said it was forget-me-not, instead of the green alkanet it actually is. As well as similar flowers, most of these plants are hairy in their nature, flower around the same time, and favour damp, shady places. Many of them are great for pollinators too, especially bees and this week's warm weather has certainly drawn them to these flowers. This makes it even more likely for these plants to be mistaken for each other and it's a great opportunity for me to put together a spotter's guide in case you find the same flowers on your outings. Staying with green alkanet, the key features which set it ...
Looks lovely, always admire the Apostles when I see them in photographs - have contemplated spending a weekend here after I am done with the RT with Warner breaks, but it's so close to home, I feel I should venture further afield.
ReplyDeleteWish my quince had produced such good fruit, its been pitiful this year, and the medlars look great too.
What a lovely collage, thank-you.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you have had a great weekend. I spoted the medlars and quinces too-and have discovered my quinces have already fallen-just when I was thinking quince jelly.
ReplyDeleteVP ... it sounds/and looks like it was a lovely outing ! and of course, spirits were clearly enjoyed to top off the day : )
ReplyDeleteVery nice indeed !
Beautiful, VP! And, of course, I loved your post's title. Now, how about following up with a guide to good manners? (Much harder to find than good manors in these times... )
ReplyDeleteGosh bulb planting time already? How can this be??? I havent even planted any Garlic or onion sets. No nothing. I have bought them, they are ready!
ReplyDeleteI am so behind...
VP, I'm always envious of all these wonderful gardens you are able to visit:) Looks like a lovely way to spend an afternoon.
ReplyDeleteAnd I do enjoy a good pun!
Just saw your post on your knitted hats, too; they are beautiful!
Zoe - it's well worth a visit, but they close after half term. It's closer to home for me, but I'm still contemplating a longer break over there as there's so much more to see.
ReplyDeleteRPF - you're welcome! I wanted to do something different to the write up from my previous visit!
TS - shame, I could have scrumped some quinces for you! And yes, it was a lovely weekend thanks.
Joy - It was great :)
OFB - hmmm, I may be quite a while rising to your challenge. But you never know one day!
SOL - there's still time, so don't panic!
Rose - and there I am envying the garden visits you and Becky manage! But yes, I am very lucky indeed.