Trainee Strawberries

Strawberry Flowers.  Nikon D7000

10th May 2014

It is not just apple blossom that has been in flower in the garden; the strawberries are showing distinct promise too.

Fingers crossed we will get some decent fruit before the birds and the slugs take their share!

Garlic and Flies

Fly on the garlic flowers.  Nikon D7000

9th May 2014

I noticed today that the garlic flowers appear to be particularly attractive to the local flies.

I am not sure if they get any nectar from them, or if it just makes them smell better!

Petals and Grass

Apple Blossom.  Nikon D7000

8th May 2014

The apple blossom has almost all fallen now; these few petals were lying on the lawn this morning.

The grass will need another cut soon....

Lilac and Planning Permission

Lilac.  Fuji F10

7th May 2014

The lilac flowers are bursting open, ready for the bees to have a feast.

The colours of Spring are really starting to show now and it is quite a spectacle.

The old thatched cottage on the route back from the school though is turning into quite a different form of spectacle... A planning permission notice has been posted referring to 9 shiny new houses instead of one made from straw...

Derelict thatched cottage.  Fuji F10

Smelly Flowers

Wild garlic. Fuji F10

6th May 2014

Some flowers have no smell, some are aromatic.  These wild garlic flowers are aromatic for sure, but not in the most attractive way.

I have heard of rose petals being used for perfume, I wonder how well garlic would sell as a scent: definitely not one for Vampires of course!

Railings and Floaters

Sweep of Railings.  Nikon D7000

5th May 2014

Traditional Ironwork is not that common in England, so capturing a nice long sweep of railings is fun.

We had a good walk in the park today; we did not go on the little train here in Buxton, but we did see that some of the male ducks have been getting over amorous.   There were a few males still going on the 'quick, she is still warm' philosophy with this poor female.

Female Duck having a bad day.  Nikon D7000

Poules Cavern and Ducks

Stalactites.  Nikon D7000

4th May 2014

We had a visit to Poule's cavern here in Buxton today.  It was very impressive with all the dangley bits from the roof, and being dripped on occasionally.

Some of the stalagmites were rather phallic, which the kids enjoyed :)

We then went for a walk in the park; cooed over the ducklings and then admired the mooning ducks.

Phallic rocks.  Nikon D7000

Fluffy duck.  Nikon D7000

Mooning.  Nikon D7000