One good thing - 4th May 2020

After a few days of typical Spring conditions, heavy rain showers and sunny intervals, there's been an explosion of green here in the north east of Scotland; leaves are bursting out everywhere.....

The leaves of Horse Chestnuts (Aesculus hippocastanum) have emerged from sticky buds - they look vaguely alien at this stage.

There's real variation in the progress of the Rowan (Sorbus aucuparia) trees locally.  Some like this one in a sheltered setting have come into leaf and the flowers are almost open; those in more exposed places have barely begun to open their leaves.

The Beech (Fagus sylvatica) hedges along one part of our garden are just coming into leaf, the young leaves unfurling from the buds which are carried through most of the winter.  Young Beeches are among the trees which keep hold of the spent leaves through the winter, a process known as Marcesence.  The reason why some species of young trees or in some cases regions of older trees do this is not fully understood, though thee are a number of hypotheses.  The explanation which seems to make most sense to me is that the leaves give a degree of insulation to the young parts from winter wind or deep frost.

The Birch (Betula pendula) we planted in the garden as a tiny seedling some 15 years ago is now an elegant young tree.  Birches bear both male and female catkins before the tiny, vivid leaves emerge.  the female catkins, if pollinated, will turn crimson and release their seeds in the autumn.  I've a real affection for birches generally, and this one in particular.  Although we planted it in a less than ideal position, I can't bring myself to cut it down, I'd rather enjoy its light shade and graceful shape.

We planted a mixed hedge along a 50 metre boundary a few years ago and it's now well established.  The species were chosen based on their suitability for the soil and climate and also for their value to wildlife.  There are a good number of Hawthorns (Crataegus monogyna) in the mix along with Blackthorn, Hazel and Beech.  The Blackthorns have had their second year of blossom this year, but so far none of the Hawthorns have blossomed; maybe we'll see some this Spring.

All this fresh Spring green is surely a good thing!