may in flowers

'cowslip'  

The absolute star of the show for me during May has to be the Cowslip. One of the first wild flowers to emerge on the common this year, it has created a lovely burst of yellow flowers, which have stood up spritely to attention all month. Found in the meadows where cows graze, the name Cowslip, is said to derive from the old English word for cow dung!..... my Mum, who was brought up playing and roaming around on the common around Coventry in the Midlands used to tell me this was her favourite wild flower. And I can see why, it's a cheerful little thing! When I was a little girl my bedroom curtains were green meadow grass with wild flowers on them. And as I walk across the common and can see why she choose those curtains.

'forget-me-nots'

and then following that the beautiful blue 'forget-me-nots', scattered around the edges by the stone walls, and how could we indeed forget......, each year we remember how lovely they are! such a pretty blue and sometimes pink.

'wild garlic'

My walks have taken me through moist damp woods, where the wild garlic likes to grow. The air has been filled with the deep scent of wild garlic, and a magical carpet of pretty white star flowers have greeted me. So pungent. The leaves can be used in salads and are quite strong tasting, strong enough to make a pesto with .

'wild garlic woods'

As I walk through the woods I just let the trees and the earth ground me. Breathing out the stress. Centering myself again. The woods seem to be able to carry it all. I could live in the woods. Deeply peaceful and away from the jangle of technology. But believe it or not I am actually an urban girl who likes to see people and places and the city too. My daily walks with my dog are my time to touch base. Always carrying my camera now and looking more closely than before. It's so enriching.

'apple blossom'

Closer to home I have wandered around the garden enjoying the apple blossom and looking forward to  sweet apples this year. Last year there was only one apple! and it was lovely. Such a tease. There is lots of blossom so whatever happened last year, was it because of the weather or the disappearing bees? and plums too. Could it be a plum year I wonder? The plum tree likes to rest now and again.

'bluebells'

In my quest for the perfect 'bluebell'! I found this one in my garden. Such a pretty mauve colour. Just like little magical fairy hats, I think, possibly with little tinkling bells in!

evening in the cotswolds

Can I squeeze in this one of where I live. Everything is so full and green right now. This is my view of the valley where I live, taken in the evening, from the woods. We seem to be having our April showers now at the end of May!

flowers from the garden

At home my may quilt has found it's place for now on the back of my bench, and every few days I will find flowers for my table in the garden. There's lots of blues and purples in may!

June will no doubt herald it's own stunning parade of colours. Me and my camera are ready! The Cowparsley growing under the apple trees has reached shoulder height, at least for a 5ft 3 person! and will need to be strimmed. There's a huge amount of mowing going on here at the moment, the grass just keeps on growing! I think of it as my green gym work-out! But this half-term week has been a creative one, thanks to the rain. More sewing to show soon.

The sun is trying to squeeze it's way through today. This week has been a difficult one my friends. The challenges of the teenage years are hard for this single Mum. I learn more each day really. Try different things. You have to try and then sometimes you have to leave alone. Hoping we will bump through to happier less challenging days soon.

So come on June, we are ready for you. I know you will bring your challenges and decisions to be made. I know I need to act on some things. I can't sweep everything under the carpet. But please bring some happy sunny feel good medicine too! oh and slugs please don't eat my lettuce, at least not all of it!

How has your week been, 

do you garden in the rain!?

Heather

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