Early spring 2011

[ranunculus]

Spring is just around the corner in this part of the world (Lancashire, U.K.) - crocus are in bloom, narcissus are coming (though they are in bloom in warmer parts of the county) and we have enjoyed our first day of weak but encouraging sun.
We ventured across Manchester to Fletcher Moss Gardens, where we encountered common but no less beautiful flowers and fungi.

[ranunculus]

Fletcher Moss Gardens

[Paddy Tobin]

Cliff,

A lovely set of shots. By coincidence, we were in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, yesterday afternoon and were very taken by the spreads of crocus. It is amazing how a simply plant can look so well when in profusion.

I was giving a talk there and the conversation afterwards drifted to the Dolomites - quite a number of people had been there, perhaps some with you.

Paddy

[ranunculus]

Cliff,
A lovely set of shots. By coincidence, we were in the Botanic Gardens, Glasnevin, Dublin, yesterday afternoon -
I was giving a talk there and the conversation afterwards drifted to the Dolomites - quite a number of people had been there, perhaps some with you.
Paddy

I'm sure your lecture went very well, Paddy ... you certainly know how to start at the top ... Glasnevin, eh?
Were any of the audience disgruntled by the Dolomites?  (You've probably identified the ones that might have come with us)!   

[mark smyth]

Fungi 1 is elf cups
Fungi 2 is jews/jelly ear

[Luc Gilgemyn]

Wonderful pictures Cliff !
Nothing beats the view of a Spring bulb meadow !! 

[Paddy Tobin]

Cliff,

The talk went well with room for improvement! (Teacher's Report) Good to start at the top - but, is it all downhill from now on?

Several people commented that they imagined the terrain in the Dolomites might have been easier but agreed that the transport system in Switzerland  was very convenient and gave access to higher areas of the mountains than they thought possible.

Paddy