The First of……2023

[bramble]

My minature tulips are in flower...red and yellow stripes.

First buds seen today on my plum tree.

[Nicos]

Looks like my mirabelle is about to blossom….I’ll take a photo later .
Always too soon - we hardly ever get more than a handful of fruit each year. Without the frost there would be hundreds to pick as it’s always heavily smothered in blossom.

[Florence Fennel]

Hyacinths in bloom in the garden, although they're looking more like bluebells now!

[Plot70]

My hyacinths are still in bud.
I am seeing red on my Japanese quince though.

[Nicos]

Celandine and grape hyacinth as well as mirabelle blossom all suddenly coming out….

[Nicos]

My magnolia is bursting into flower on its south facing side.

Also spotted my first two ladybirds today. Hibernating, but lovely to see.

[Jungle Jane]

Today my camellia started opening its flower buds I’ll get a photo soon all these colours are nice to see,bright & happy looking flowers,miniature daffs with a white hyacinth background -

[Nicos]

Our first ever wild Early Purple Orchid in our front garden. No flower as yet though. Really exciting as it’s a sign that this area was ancient woodland !

Its appeared on its own amongst the other flowers….

[Nicos]

One of my plum trees is breaking into blossom.
I think I’ve only ever had one plum in 12 years …and we have a couple of frosts due after weekend

[Jungle Jane]

One of my plum trees is breaking into blossom.
I think I’ve only ever had one plum in 12 years …and we have a couple of frosts due after weekend

Try covering a middle section with fleece so some of the flowers are protected? I did that once to my pear blossom to protect it,difficult to cover the whole tree but part covering is easy with bamboo sticks,pegs & fleece if it’s going to be frosty. Problem is if the wind would flap the fleece about damaging flowers,it’s really windy here today…

[Nicos]

Here it is!… thanks for the advice JJ x

[bramble]

Yes, covering all, or part of your plum tree when it is blossoming is a good idea.
The last time I did this, a few years ago now, I fell off the ladder.
However, the plum tree survivedl

[Nicos]

Oh dear Bramble!…maybe I should ask my OH to do it instead!

[Florence Fennel]

Yes, covering all, or part of your plum tree when it is blossoming is a good idea.
The last time I did this, a few years ago now, I fell off the ladder.
However, the plum tree survivedl

Glad you did too!

[Nicos]

Good grief…what are you two like?