Treeferns

I have just been away for a few days, and it is too beautifully damp out there to garden, so here are some pictures of treeferns in their natural state, from my trip away. This is a photo taken in the cool rainforest on the Black Spur, near Melbourne.

You can see the treeferns on either side of the road. And the hillsides are densely covered.

The large version is HERE.

Here is another one, right beside the road, and quite tall

The large one for that is HERE.

Although I have some in my garden, I doubt they will ever look this good.

Daffodil Peak Time

I think this is the official declaration of Daffodil peak. Note the "think"

Most of them are out, except my miniatures and the whites. I sprinkle mine all over the place, where-ever I can fit them in - a bit of the "woodland" type. Can I mention in passing I am not a fan of massed plantings of King Alfred in conjunction with other display stuff - I am more the natural type).

So here is a shot of part of the front garden:

and I tried to get a good shot of my ancient double daffodil, but either the camera or the operator needs improvement:

What else??

It is peak blossom time for the Manchurian Pear, the Crategus and Mulberry have major bud-swell. The tree-fern fronds are breaking out.

And one solitary crocus is clinging to life, despite being choked out:

It is Spring

It is definitely Spring.

There are daffodils popping up everywhere, and there is a single, first flower on my Manchurian Pear. The early peach next door in what used to be my father's orchard, is in full bloom.

The double daffodils have appeared (must photograph them next), and I am starting my Daffodil Census again - trying to work out what is where. I have heaps of these ones I call the "Not the King Alfreds" (on the right) which are the same size and growth habit, but with a lighter frill - I think most are reversions from the arty-doublish ones that I have bought in the past that have disappeared. But that doesn't matter - I do like them.

And am still waiting for my miniatures - I have drifts of them, and the remind me of fairies.

The snowdrops (probably properly called Snowflakes) are old favourites of mine - okay in the garden, but stunning as one or two flowers in a vase with a couple of leaves like these Kangaroo Paw leaves. You need to have just a few, with lots of space around them to appreciate their delicacy.