In the Victorian ‘Language of Flowers’ crab-apple blossom symbolises ‘irritability’, due to its sour-tasting fruit and the association of its name with ‘crabby’, meaning ‘irritable’. These pretty #flowers certainly make me feel more good-humoured than crabby though! #joy #nature

This is brilliant! Sound up to listen 🐦‍⬛🚨

You may be wondering why the white dead-nettle plants suddenly produce so many blooms at this time of the year? Well, the fairies need somewhere to hide their dancing shoes of course! Think of all those spring parties they need to attend. Have a peep and see! #nature #wildflowers

“The Violet in her greenwood bower,
Where Birchen boughs with Hazels mingle,
May boast itself the fairest flower
In glen, in copse, or forest dingle.” - Sir Walter Scott (1771-1832).

Early Dog Violets (Viola reichenbachiana) found for this week’s #WildflowerHour #VioletChallenge

‘When daisies pied and violets blue
And lady-smocks all silver-white,
And cuckoo-buds of yellow hue,
Do paint the meadows with delight.’ Love’s Labours Lost
#FolkloreSunday #ShakespeareSunday

Flower Fairies: buttercup (cuckoo-bud) daisies pied (different hues) & lady’s smock

April comes from the Latin word 'aperire' meaning 'to open' or 'spread out'. The Romans gave it this name as an expression of ‘nature's quickening’ during this month, when the trees and plants burst into life, and their leaves and flowers unfurl from the tightest of buds. #nature