One Sunday in early March, Simon and I went for a countryside wander and it was cheering, after the winter, to see the early spring flowers starting to bloom. We saw snowdrops (above), which start to flower from February, and daffodils (below).
A flowering elm tree was also spotted. This was an interesting find as many of Britain’s elm trees were wiped out by a strain of Dutch Elm Disease, caused by bark beetles. In 1967, Rock elm logs were imported from the USA. No one knew the timber harboured the virus caused by bark beetles. By the mid-1980s, 25 million elms had died. So an elm tree these days is a much rarer sight than it once was although, over the years, there have been attempts to repopulate the elms.
๏ฟผPeriwinkle (above) and common dog-violets were also spotted. Dog-violets flower from March to May and sometimes from July to September. They are seen in woods, hedgerows (where we saw it), and heaths in Britain.
Fact of the Day
Did you know that there is an area and tube station called Seven Sisters in London? It derives its name from seven elm trees which were once planted in a circle in that area.
Great post, Clare, and it’s good to see these early flowers. We went for a long walk yesterday and we saw some primroses and heard some of the first migrant birds calling. Spring is definitely here! The Seven Sisters rang a bell, but I had no idea where the name came from, so the elms is a lovely link. It’s such a shame so many of them have fallen victim to this horrible disease. Thanks for sharing your spring walk and the lovely pictures. ๐
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You’re welcome. ๐ It’s always lovely to see the first spring flowers. I do like primroses, they’re always a good sign that spring has arrived. ๐
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Looks like there may be some mint growing in with the violets. It really is lovely but will take over if given the chance. Lovely pictures.
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Thank you Anita. ๐ I didn’t spot the mint at first, I know what you mean about it taking over as I used to have some in my garden. Hopefully, it won’t and the other plants will have a chance.
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I never knew Seven Sisters was named after trees! So interesting and a lovely post, thank you.
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Thank you, I’m glad you enjoyed it. ๐
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Nothing here is blossoming yet. Maybe by the end of the week. Elm trees a rare here as well – killed off by disease and now the ash trees have been killed off by the emerald ash bore.
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It’s very sad that the disease has affected elm trees in other countries as well. In the UK, our ash trees are being killed by ash dieback. We don’t have the emerald ash bore beetle in the UK but there are fears by the Woodland Trust that it could come here. It’s terrible that trees are being decimated by diseases and pests.
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It really is sad. The emerald ash bore is not native to the US but apparently arrived with imported good (probably lumber). Makes me wonder if importing goods is worth it when we have such devastating consequences.
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Lovely post. Spring is springing all around, it’s so lovely seeing the flowers pop their heads up.
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Thank you. It certainly is lovely to see the flowers, I love spring! ๐
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Me too๐
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I have included your blog in INTERESTING BLOGS in FRIDAY FOSSICKING at
https://thatmomentintime-crissouli.blogspot.com/2019/03/friday-fossicking-29th-mar-2019.html
Thank you, Chris
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Thank you Chris, Clare ๐
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