Another wildflower unwelcome to lawn perfectionists are any of the common buttercup species. This one was a meadow buttercup, as shown by its deeply indented leaves.
Street wildflowers: black medic
Some plants with a natural habitat in hedgerows or meadows are also adept at spreading to pavements, roadside gutters, and untended gardens. Black medic, here growing outside a garden wall, is one which is a bane of those who want a perfect lawn.
Judas tree flowering by Conservatory
The bright purple flowers of a Judas tree in front of the Conservatory in West Park.
Pen and her three cygnets, West Park
Three cygnets with the mother swan on the lake at West Park. When we saw them previously, a few days earlier, the cob had also been there. This time there was no sign of him.
Swans are normally very attentive parents. The pen stays close to the cygnets, while the cob usually stands guard a little distance away, constantly alert to any threats. It’s most unusual to see a grouping like this.
Common star of bethlehem in an orchard
Star of bethlehem flowering, almost hidden in the long grass under the apple and pear trees of the orchard in Anne Hathaway’s cottage.
Canal basin with reflections, Stratford on Avon
The water in the basin of the Stratford canal looking dead flat on a calm spring day, reflecting the big wheel in the park across the river.