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David

What kind of ladybird is this?

Harlequin ladybird

I’m not sure if this was a harlequin, or the melanistic form of the 2-spot ladybird (which has the red and black colours reversed). It was tiny, so perhaps a 2-spot.

Harlequin ladybird

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David

Victorian greenhouse mechanism

Victorian greenhouse mechanism

A miniature marvel of Victorian engineering: windows in the roof of West Park Conservatory, the rods to open them from ground level, and counterbalances to make the opening and closing easier.

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David

Dandelion on a dull day

Closed-up dandelion

Towards the end of April, there was a day’s break from the persistent, heavy rain. But it was still so dull that the dandelions stayed closed up.

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David

Umbellifer flowers beginning to open

Umbellifer flowers beginning to open

This was one of the smaller umbellifers – the plant was perhaps at knee level – and the first flowers were just beginning to open.

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David

Redcurrant leaf after rain

Redcurrant leaf after rain

April was a good month for close-ups of plants after heavy rain.

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David

Showy apple blossom

Showy apple blossom

Another ornamental fruit tree, possibly apple. This was in the field behind Compton lock.

Showy apple blossom

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David

Gold(fish), silver and coppers

Gold(fish), silver and copper

A small pool in the Conservatory at West Park, with a few goldfish. It isn’t a wishing well, or a fountain to throw three coins in, but some people seem to have done that anyway.

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David

Oak leaves beginning to open

Oak leaves beginning to open

Partially-opened oak leaves – these on a tree next to the West Park Conservatory.

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David

Bedraggled dandelions

Bedraggled dandelions

The conjunction of the various stages of a dandelion flower caught my eye.

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David

Sycamore bud surrounded by hawthorn twigs

Sycamore bud surrounded by hawthorn twigs

The twigs of the two trees were so close together in a hedge.