Spring through the lens at Stowe
Captured on camera
Delicate beauties
The snake's head fritillaries are putting on a fantastic display along Gurnet's Walk. These nodding, pink-and-purple-chequered flowers are said to resemble a snake, hence the name.
Carpets of white
Sun-loving, gentle, and a mark of old - look out for the star-shaped flowers of these wood anemones around the garden at the moment, particularly in the Grecian Valley, around the Hermitage, and on the edge of Sleeping Wood.
Wildlife thrives on blossom
Blossom is an important food for insects coming out of hibernation. This bumble bee was enjoying the pollen on the almond blossom in the New Inn courtyard. Take a moment on your daily walks to look out for birds, butterflies and bees enjoying the blossom trees near you - #BlossomWatch.
A sign that spring has arrived
Cuckooflowers, also commonly known as 'Lady's smock', have been spotted in the historic orchard at Stowe, on the edge of the Grecian Valley. They are thought to coincide with the arrival of the first cuckoo - a sure sign that spring has arrived at last.
Crowning glory
The magnificent crown imperials are appearing around the garden. Look out for them in the Elysian Fields, Grecian Valley and Sleeping Wood. The brightly coloured downward facing flowers are topped by a 'crown' of small leaves, hence the name.
Box clever
This honeybee was spotted on the box hedge flowers which are really important for pollinators like the bees. You can see how much pollen it's collected on its legs.
Blooming beautiful
The blossom is really beginning to bloom across the garden, parkland and around New Inn. Look out for this wild plum blossom in the Grecian Valley and share your photos of blossom using #BlossomWatch.
Down by the water's edge
Bringing a splash of colour to the water's edge are these marsh marigolds in Lamport garden. These yellow buttercup-like flowers are at their best in April so make sure you look out for them on your next visit.
" I love Stowe in the spring. Wildflowers start to bloom, including forget-me-not, celandine and buttercups. Keep your eyes open for pollinating insects such as bees and early butterflies. The yellow brimstone is said to have inspired the name ‘butterfly’ because of its wing colour. Around Concord and Victory and in the Elysian Fields the beds start to come alive with flower amongst the newly emerged foliage. The beds around Pebble Alcove contain many cherries with their delicate pink flowers, and throughout the garden the white candlestick flowers of the Cherry Laurel impress. The orchard along Laurel Terrace has numerous ancient trees and is one of my favourite places to spend a while. The blossom of the apple trees is stunning, as well as the soundscape of bees and bird song. "
Blossom became a symbol of hope
Blossom is one of the first signs that spring is well and truly on the way, and it was a welcome sight last March as the pandemic took hold. Many of you took part in #BlossomWatch, which we launched to encourage people to share images of blossom across the country. These pictures sparked joy for many, especially those unable to get to green spaces where the trees were in bloom. From the pinker hues to the cloudy white, these delicate blossoms were a joyful sight and a reminder that warmer days were on their way. Find out how you can get involved this year.
