Roger and I were out delivering leaflets along Beeston Lane when I nearly tripped over a big patch of Violets. We have them in the garden where they grow like weeds, but seeing them in the wild is something special. They looked delicate and vulnerable although, like many other `wild' flowers allowed to grow alongside cultivated varieties of plants, soon become something of a nuisance if not controlled. Bluebells also spread but are worth having because they fill the gap between the Daffodils and the arrival of the summer flowers. My favourite in the garden is the Primrose. When I first knew Roger, we were walking across Exmoor and I found an uprooted Primrose which I took home. It survived in our garden and on the two occasions we have moved house I have taken some of it with us. It has done particularly well in Cheshire and this single Primrose along with one that Elsie Mooney left behind have produced countless offspring. You can see similar flowers in the garden of the old Vicarage as you pass by.
Whilst I was gazing at Violets, Roger managed to see something violent - a Sparrow Hawk at Beeston was trying its luck with some chickens - wishful thinking, I imagine! The summer bird residents are arriving, so watch out for the Swallows and Martins. Our garden Chiffchaff is here again.
By the time you read this, it will be the middle of April, so Happy Easter! If anyone wants a Primrose, let me know.
Sue Netherton