Spring is galloping on apace, there are cowslips everywhere and we saw several over-wintered butterflies – our first Brimstone which is great as it means we have buckthorn and alder buckthorn nearby. We also spotted a Comma and lots of Red Admirals along with many bees including the impressive Xylocope or Violet Carpenter Bee which at 25 – 30 mm is quite surprising when first seen, they are stunning.
The Japanese cherry is in full flower an beautiful. This poor little tree had been happily growing in a pot in London and every spring made a beautiful show of white-pink flowers followed later by small bitter cherries. Our friend Omar helped to empty all the pots that we were going to transport because they were very heavy and those without plants could travel empty. Liz arrived home and Omar showed her his handiwork ‘excellent, but why is this one empty?’, poor Omar, he had thought the tree was unwanted or dead and had thrown it out along with the soil into the waste waiting for collection. They quickly rushed out to inspect the huge Hippo-bag, fortunately one brave little twig was stuck out of the mound of earth so she was retrieved and replanted. We crossed our fingers that she would survive. Omar, who was mortified at his mistake, will be hugely relieved that she is thriving here.
Of course the days that were good had to involve strimming, Margie seems to be an addict and Liz still can’t get a turn. We have been dong the banks of the south field and are making good but slow progress and are now about halfway round. Margie found an old branch from the walnut tree under the brambles and on it were the most beautiful fungi. In French they are called Pezize Orangée but the English is better, they are called Scarlet Elf Cups which, despite the warning colour, are edible. Our little mushroom book, left by the previous occupiers say that they are good eaten as a desert, raw with kirsch! Anything with kirsch would be good but we won’t chance it especially as some authorities suggest they are inedible. Incidentally the little book, which is in French, is an old Readers Digest edition 1969.
Signing off now as we are about to enjoy a glass of wine and the last of the afternoon sun on the terrace. Salut![/vc_column_text][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#deead0″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_column_text]Perhaps you would like to know…
.[/vc_column_text][vc_btn title=”How it all started” style=”custom” custom_background=”#deead0″ custom_text=”#666666″ link=”url:http%3A%2F%2Fwww.tormantil.com%2F2017%2F01%2F10%2Fhow-it-all-started%2F|title:read%20how%20it%20all%20began…|”][/vc_column][vc_column width=”1/2″][vc_widget_sidebar sidebar_id=”sidebar1″][/vc_column][/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column][vc_separator color=”custom” accent_color=”#deead0″][/vc_column][/vc_row]
Hey honey
Sounds a bit more adventurous than my first bike ride here. But it was on track, soooooo different to tarseal, and was graded enough that I was quite cautious on the down.
My bike is a hybrid so probably better for the job than yours. It’s quite new but way past a first service. The bike ride, after very slow gear changes, inspired an immediate visit to the bike shop.
Hugs