Tag: flowers

February 23rd – Doris wasn’t messing about…

Storm Doris hit the UK, and I considered my commute carefully before I left for work. Cycling in very strong winds is hard enough with them behind you, let alone against you, but also of concern are very strong cross winds which can have you into the centre of a road, or in a ditch.

I decided not to cycle to Darlaston which would have been almost 100% into the headwind, and instead went to Shenstone, where I caught the train to Birmingham, then another to Coseley, whence I rode with the wind at my back to work.

Yes, I guess it’s cheating, but I felt safer, and also make it to Shenstone in 14 minutes, at a frightening average, topping 40mph plus down Shire Oak Hill. That was fun.

On my arrival at Coseley, I noticed how well looked after the flowerbed was, and realised how much the little garden there reminded me of South Wigston, where I used to spend so much time.

The primroses were gorgeous, and really brightened a… memorable commute.

February 22nd – It was a grim, wet morning commute and I wasn’t in the best of moods. I decided to cheer myself up by calling into Kings Hill Part to check on the progress of the miniature daffodils and other spring flowers.

I wasn’t disappointed, and spotted with raindrops, they looked fresh, vital and beautiful.

I left in a considerably better frame of mind.

February 2nd -Spring is easing inn slowly, and unlike the seasonal transitions from Summer to Autumn and Autumn to Winter, this one makes me very happy indeed. I’ve been finding myself almost in the light commuting to and from work – it won’t be long now until the darkness is pushed back enough to feel truly alive again. And in the meantime, isolated pockets of early flowers, like the cheerful yellow acolytes spotted in Victoria Park in Darlaston.

Won’t be long now. Just have to keep the faith!

January 31st – While I’ve yet to break my snowdrop duck for the spring (and BrownhillsCommoner sent me a lovely picture of the ones in his garden) there are some spring flowers around, although maybe not conventional blooms.

These catkins are showing well at the moment in Wednesbury, and are a common feature of hedgerows, scrubs and waysides. They are the male flowers of the alder tree, and also occur on the close relative, Birch.

Wind pollinated, these blossoms don’t have normal petals or a flower like structure, but are a lovely, bright feature of late winter and a signpost into spring.

January 6th – A damp morning errand took me across the Black Country to Great Bridge, and in the small border of a household garden near the town centre, these gorgeous flowers, spotted with rain.

It’s quite hard to find natural, optimistic colour at this time of year, but I’m so glad I did. I’ve been missing the simple joy of flowers for too long.

A real tonic.

December 13th – On the canal near Bentley bridge, the gorse (or is it broom? I’m never sure) is coming into flower and bringing a splash of welcome colour ro a drab, damp landscape.

I love to see this flower – it carries me through winter and reminds me it won’t be long until spring flowers return. It also won’t be long now until the shortest day and once more, the opening out will commence again.

I can’t wait.

October 25th – I’d been to Droitwich to see a customer and get some other bits and pieces done, and noted that the Autumn there too was very special, with the wide main roads lined with a variety of trees in excellent seasonal hues.

On my return from the station, I slipped through Little Aston Forge and Bosses, where I spotted the crimson ivy gable wall, and the driveway bed of beautiful flowers.

The last few days really have been beautiful out there.

October 12th – I don’t think I’ve ever known a season where the wildflowers bloom for so long. It’s now mid October, and in the urban heart of Walsall on the canal at Pleck, there are beautiful flowers  still.

Still attracting bugs, these are gorgeous and brightened an otherwise dull journey to work.

September 29th – The brightness increased at Tipton in the early morning, where I came across this wonderful bed of flowers. I don’t know what the blooms are, but they are absolutely gorgeous, a riot of colour and an absolute joy to stop and appreciate.

A few bees still pottered between the beautiful colours, and the scent was lovely. Not entirely what you’d expect when you hear the name ‘Tipton’.

I love the Black `country, I love this place with all my heart. And this is an example of why.