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David

Oak flowers

Oak flowers

They are inconspicuous, and they appear dangling from the oak’s twigs when the new leaf cover is already there, so oak flowers tend not to be noticed.

Oak flowers

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David

Streptocarpus flower, West Park Conservatory

Streptocarpus flower

Aka Cape primrose. Streptocarpus species are popular indoor plants because they don’t need direct sunlight. The common name points to many species originating in southern Africa, and a resemblance of the leaves to those of primroses, which are not actually closely related.

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David

Close-up of a bluebell

Close-up of a bluebell

There’s a small patch of bluebells which grows every year in the Smestow Valley LNR, between the Railway Walk and Barley Field.

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David

Ornamental apple in flower

Ornamental apple in flower

This apple with its fancy flowers is in the churchyard of St John’s church. The ring road is out of focus in the background.

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David

Wild garlic in flower

Wild garlic in flower

They look a little like bluebells: very similar shaped leaves, and flowers not unlike white bluebells. They are often found in the same shady woods, though ramsons have a stronger preference for damp ground. But these have a smell of garlic which can be strong on a warm day.

Wild garlic in flower

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David

Bumblebee on a dandelion

Bumblebee on a dandelion

The yellow in the bee’s colouring seems to disappear against the similar shade in the flower.

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David

White dead nettle in flower

White dead nettle in flower

Not actually a nettle, or even particularly closely related I believe. But the plants do look similar to nettles until they flower. “Dead” in that they don’t sting.

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David

Different cranesbill species flowering

Cranesbill flowering

Two different cranesbill species: both spotted while walking in the Smestow Valley LNR.

Cranesbill flowering

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David

Clinging on

Clinging on

The bumble bee was clinging determinedly to a tree on a cold and breezy day.

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David

Ant walk

Ant walk

Whenever I visit the Conservatory at West Park, there seem to be a couple of ants which have been drawn to this exotic flower.