20th March from the West Cliff Green, Bournemouth
A steady, pattering rain and a sharp wind from the south-west. The sea flurries on the shore like a nursery matron trying to assemble her recalcitrant charges in one place. But plants are trying to make the best of it. Today’s new leaves are of the Ribwort plantain. But here are some first flowers. The green striped white bells of thee cornered leek. It’s rather like an outsize snowdrop but it’s our wild garlic and some people gather it in large amounts to cook with. The garlicky scent is unmistakable. Yesterday, whilst the sun shone was the first day of the hayfever season meaning the pine trees are in flower high over head. Each morning as soon as it’s warm enough, the pale yellow pollen will drift down and cover the paths. The first pale primrose is hiding under the deeper foliage whilst sitting on the back of a bench, a young lad in a bright yellow hoodie lights up a rather dull, rainy scene.
From 20th March 2022
The buffeting wind is still cold but the sun shines down cheerfully out of a clear blue sky. The sea chases up and down the beach with glee. Although officially the first day of spring and for all the cold winds and gales we have had, I would say it has been an early spring this year with spring flowers beginning to show weeks ago and the dawn and evening chorus starting as far back as the end of January. #bournemouth #westcliffgreen #spring #March
From 20th March 2021
The midpoint between winter and summer. Between lockdown and the corner shop, between still and busy. The day is flat and grey and even. Chilly air except when the the sun manages to burn through. The world has turned on very slightly and we are carried with it. Enjoy the ride.
