More Pocket Love

Six weks ago I showed the few flowers which had been produced on last years growth. Now this years mature growth is showing what a Dendrobium hybrid Pocket Love orchid can really look like when in flower.





Only just viewable in the first photo - on the left hand side of the plant - there are two new growths which, with good luck, should both produce flowers.

On Ya Bike

After a rotten Sunday when I felt really down and still missing the company of Penny I decided it was time to get out and about a bit more. Monday I went to have a look round Horncastle. More about that in a future post. Today I made a short visit to Alford. I went to see how many bicycles I could find. Not any old bikes. Blooming bikes! Each year a group in Alford come up with an idea to beautify the town. This year they decided to have bicycles decorated with flowers. The theme being titled 'On Ya Bike - and Come to Alford'. Here are the ones I managed to find, along with some of the other flower arrangements.





























My congratulations to all those involved in the project. All in all it was worth a visit with a warm 21C sunny day to add to the relaxing atmosphere.

Winter Beauty?

Just down the lane there is a wall topped with fancy blocks. Always trying to escape though the holes is one particular plant which flowers at this time of year. Photos a tad grainy as I took them as the Sun was setting.





As far as I can ascertain this is a Clematis 'Winter Beauty'. A vigorous perennial evergreen variety. Why does it keep trying to grow on the outside of the wall? The outside faces South so catches the Sunlight throughout the day.

I've just ordered one as it will make a useful addition to the Virginia Creepers growing up the old tree stump. Add a bit of colour while the creeper is leafless during the Winter.

Corkscrew Hazel

Some of the catkins on my Corkscrew Hazel bush are opening as are the flowers.



I brought one piece indoors to take some close shots.
The crimson flowers are minute as can be seen here:




A macro shot of the male catkin which produces the pollen.




A macro view of the minute female flowers.



There are several flowers in each bud.

White Hedges

At last we have reached the time of year many field hedgerows are starting to show their flowers.



Blackthorn flowers