Remember Spring?

​Spring that was - freezing in April, drowning in May?  Happy times!

But now Summer seems nearly to be here, with a heatwave forecast from St Swithun's day on Thursday.  Seems the weather systems actually do often switch around that time, and this year's to be no exception.

But Dick Budden enjoyed lots of lovely spring things in his garden and meadow down by the River Nadder.  Here are two of his favourite things ...

The lovely yellow flag (Iris pseudacorus) is widespread in damp and marshy areas - as well as on Dick's riverside patch you can see them on the Teffont Lake.

​Ragged-robin (Lychnis flos-cuculi) is in decline, and The Wildlife Trusts say, 'Swaying in a gentle breeze, the delicate, pink flowers of Ragged-robin can be a joy to behold in any wildflower meadow, damp pasture or woodland ride. But it's not just passing humans that benefit from its star-shaped blooms - bumblebees, butterflies and honeybees all enjoy the nectar it produces.

'A favourite among gardeners, try planting Ragged-Robin in a boggy area or flower border and see who comes to visit.'  It's widely available in garden centres.