During week 3, escapee bluebells have opened their flowers. They have been joined by Cherrie’s ‘blue flowers’ – properly known as alkanet – and the first ground ivy flowers I’ve seen this year. The white violets have disappeared and been replaced by a carpet of bright yellow celandines; the blackthorn blossom has become ‘confetti’ on the path; while the wild cherry blossom has multiplied to compensate.



The horse chestnut leaves are increasing in number and size and the first ‘candle’ flowers have opened while the oak trees have started flowering and other trees are showing signs of green.



Some days, the wrens are particularly vocal although not always visible. By contrast, the crows are much quieter now that they are sitting on their nests.