Up around the back of the Kenwood Dairies there is a small temperate zone where spring arrives a good deal earlier than on the rest of the estate. The ones out ahead of the pack are usually the camellias. In fact a lot of them were already in full flower down by the house before Christmas. I think that this little pink flower is also a camellia (the leaves certainly look camellia-ish) but a small, delicate single as opposed to the rather lusher blooms (now mainly over) by the house.
Just across the path from the camellia were these droopy creatures, whose buds however looked ready to leap into action. Are they rhododendrons? I am hoping that Emma will come to my rescue as usual!
Further on a single pink rhododendron bush was firmly ignoring all weather warnings and was in full bloom. I do hope it does not come to regret its enthusiasm.
Meanwhile, what are these black and luscious looking berries?
Finally, far away from the temperate zone on my path down to the heath from Highgate, I found this little clump of – early cow parsley???
Looking out the window this morning into the cold driving rain it is hard to believe that any flower would be so foolhardy as to blossom right now – but I am very happy that they are!
Swans in flight
Looks like it could be VIBURNUM Michelle — and I agree, early cow parsley !!
I wonder if you are right, Jane – I know viburnum comes if many shapes. Let’s hope Emma puts us right!!
Hi Michelle, any tips for spotting snowdrops?
Hmmmm, Victoria…. All I know is that they like to hide and then spring out at you! So a little clump espied under a tree or in a corner – and then you go round a corner in a wood in the country and a white carpet stretches out before you. Mind you, not sure that it has been cold enough yet.
Sneaky little things!