The early bees are assaulting and fumbling the flowers:
They call it easing the Spring
Naming of Parts (1942), Henry Reed
After a night of heavy rain and blustery winds, the morning was calm with clear cold skies and veils of mist clinging to the distant hills. There is a whisphered promise of a fine gardening day. In the cool early morning a few drowsy bumblebees stumble across the deep pink umbels of the sedum, seeking a few drops of nectar to start the morning buzz.
In the vegetable garden, in a far corner of a neglected fruit cage, the everlasting peas (Lathyrus latifolius) scramble and tumble over a luxuriant growth of weeds. The pannicles of white flowers are beginning to fade, and although a little jaded, they still attract a few bumblebees desperate for a few drops of life sustaining nectar. Mesmerise by the gentle buzz of activity, I watch as they gently fumble the flowers in a bid to gain access to the nectaries by depressing the keel.
beautiful – but where have you bee?n – and welcome back
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Thank you. Perhaps I should write a post to explain.
It’s like buses – none for ages, and then two arrive! Good to hear from you again and know that you are still holding your own and not consigned to the Poor House, despite the neglected fruit cage and luxuriant weeds! I know you are fond of bees, and they have rewarded you with an excellent photo opportunity.
What a great title you have used, referring to that poem – I need to go back and read it again after reading that extract…thank you!
Thank you Cathy, we are still bumbling along and managing to grow enought veg to keep the wolf from the door. Luxuriant weeds are part of my “make spece for nature” approach to land management.
Glad to know you have kept the wolves at bay, Christine
Still have the winter to survive
😁