We've had a couple of sunny weeks and the trees have moved on a pace. Some real spring warmth has brought on bud burst and blossom, so that it is looking like things are catching up after our particulalry cold winter. (Good news for the Blossomtime celebrations 2nd and 3rd May - see http://www.bigapple.org.uk/blossomtime/2010.html)

For some reason this year the blossom seems to have a lot more aroma.  It is difficult to know if there is actually more smell in the air or a change in my perception, although Hannah has also mentioned that some of the garden flowers are smelling stonger this year.   The mirrabelle plums are particulrly strong with an almost caramelised plum aroma.  I can't wait to see if the pear and apple blossom smell stronger when they're fully out.

Possibly related, there also seem to be a lot of bees about - not only the overall quantity, but the range of species - particularly the big "Bumble" bees.

Whatever the reason, it all feels very positive.  A sign of nature working its magic again as the growing season starts and a reminder that we're only just over 4 months away from the start of harvest!

Is it me, or have things really started to move in the orchard?

Signs of spring are definitely here.  Snow drops are still in flower, now joined by the pussy willow, with the soft grey fluffy catkins emerging, as seen on this willow next to the "Big Hug" in Dorothy's Orchard. (see right image)

Cream and yellow primrose flowers poke through the winter debris from bracken cut back along our hedgerow. (see left image)

Birds are busy nest building, taking twigs from the prunings and the undergrowth, and wool from the barbed wire fence where next doors sheep have inadvertently rubbed.

And we've seen a number of very small little bunnies darting across the orchard.

Sap is definitely rising...

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