Spring through the lens at Stowe
Captured on camera
One not to forget
Stop by the Labyrinth to find this beautiful sea of forget me nots. Look out for bumble bees and butterflies enjoying the nectar and pollen.
A rare find
Look out for the bank of coral root plants in Lamport garden. Rare in the wild and only found in the Chilterns and the Weald. It is similar to Lady's smock only taller with a lilac pink flower.
Picture perfect view
Blossom is still blooming around the garden. Here a lovely cherry blossom tree is helping to frame the view towards the majestic Lord Cobham's Pillar.
Look up in the trees
Our resident little egrets are nesting on the island on Octagon Lake, sit for a while on one of the benches around the lake on your next visit and see if you can spot them flying in and out of the trees.
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.
Snow in the spring
Snowy mespilus flowering with lady's smock down by the water's edge near the White bridge. Thank you to Ian P who captured this lovely photo on a recent visit.
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.
" 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.
