Early blossom

Early can be a relative term when it comes to spring flowering blossom. However, when I see a tree (or trees) in full blossom towards the end of February I think of them as early regardless of whether or not they are usually in flower at this time.

The pink blossom is (I think) a Taiwan cherry. The white blossom is blackthorn. The former was in a spot that experiences quite a bit of shadow on a late February day but the blackthorn was in a protected, south-facing location. Consequently I think the cherry was probably flowering around the usual time but the blackthorn was earlier than usual.

photos © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon Z 5

The Christmas Rose in April

The Christmas Rose, Latin name Helleborus niger, also known as the hellebore, is currently in full flower in our garden on April 1. In my experience this flower has never really deserved its Christmas appellation, usually flowering in January, February and/or March.

I certainly don't recall it in bloom as late as April. It's probable that its shady location has delayed its flowering. Whatever the reason, it is putting on a good show in a spot where later flowering perennials usually appear. These straightforward photographs show the characteristics of the plant, but don't make a photograph to compare with this shot I took indoors of a hellebore from which I cut the flowers.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Lumix FZ1000 2

Black-headed gull

When the dark chocolate brown (not black) cap of the black-headed gull disappears and is replaced by a couple of dark, scuff-like makings I know that summer is past and the colder months lie ahead. Similarly, when those disappear and the hood makes its re-appearance in stages until the striking hood is complete, by the end of March, I am reminded that sun and warmth are on their way. This young example of the species caught my eye when it was lit by the low winter sun against a dark watery background on Newent Lake in Gloucestershire.

photo © T. Boughen     Camera: Nikon P900