Sunflower - NOT amateur radio

On our walk this morning we saw our first sunflower out. Ideal today with sunshine all day. It was a nice day all day - the best this month.

Unknown flower - NOT amateur radio

This flower self-seeded in our front garden. We did not plant it. The flowers are about 3cms across. It is probably quite a common sort, but this is the first year we have seen it. We have been here almost 5 years now. It is May flowering. Some have died and just this one is in flower.

UPDATE 1340z: Someone told me it is "Star of Bethlehem".

Growing - NOT amateur radio

Our amaryllis from last winter continues to thrive.

This picture was taken a few minutes ago. Barring any disasters (like the grandchildren tipping it over) it should flower in the next few weeks.

And to think we nearly gave up on it!

Never give up! - NOT amateur radio

This amaryllis was given up as past it. After glorious flowers last winter it was consigned to the garden.

Then there was a hint of growth, so it was re-potted and brought inside the house. Every week it gets fed and watered. It is thriving now and there is even a bud. Another 2 weeks and it could, barring disasters, be in flower.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

We have several amaryllis plants this winter including one from last year which was in the garden which seems to be growing again. It is now in the kitchen. There are no buds yet.

The one in the lounge is now doing really well with plenty of flowers on it, as the photo shows.

These are amazing plants and great fun in the winter.

UPDATE 1935z: There appears to be a bud on last year's plant.

Althurium - NOT amateur radio

My wife has a way with orchids and those we have live for years.

I had to look this house-plant up as I did not know its name. It is not an orchid - well I don't think it is! As you can tell, I am no plant expert!

Cowslips - NOT amateur radio

The first cowslips have appeared here and, by any measure, we are now officially in spring. The clocks go forward this coming weekend.

100 sand martins (birds) have been seen in Devon. These are migrants often seen returning about now. I remember my dad telling me when he first saw these over the golf course. He died in 1987 sadly. I miss him.

Growing Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

We usually get an amaryllis bulb as a gift at Christmas. This last Christmas was no exception. They are great fun. Ours is now 68cm tall and both flowers have started to split. There is a chance both will be fully in flower next week. I thought one flower would have been out last week.

Amaryllis progress - NOT amateur radio

Every winter we grow an amaryllis in the lounge. It has really shot up in the last week, with what looks like 2 flowers coming, barring any disasters.

Last year we supported it with a cane and elastic band.

At the moment, it is 19cms tall.

Anglesey Abbey, Nr Cambridge - NOT amateur radio

Every month there is something to see here. We go regularly because it is so near. We are very lucky. The autumn crocus were out and this blue flower, which was in the herbaceous garden.

Amaryllis - NOT amateur radio

Our son and daughter-in-law gave us an amaryllis for Christmas, which we potted in early January. After a slow start, it has shot up and will probably be in flower in the next week. There are 2 flower heads, one looks ahead of the other.

See https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaryllis .