It seems to have taken a long time for the medlar buds to progress from the stage on the left to that on the right this year. The medlar isn't exceptional in this as most of the shrubs and trees in the garden have been reluctant to expose their leaves to the poor March weather.
This has given me the opportunity to observe the buds in more detail. Now the sun has finally decided to visit, I'm guessing that growth will speed up.
After a day or two of sunny days things have speeded up.
As soon as the new shoots appear the aphids home in.
If you want to read about more of the trees that are being followed then pop across and visit Lucy's blog.
Posts
Very detailed shots! I've (well Mike actually) moved our fruit trees in pots closer to the feeder to encourage the birds to gobble up the aphids x
ReplyDeleteAs long as no bull finches turn up, Jo :)
DeleteI hope that bird does the trick. And he is such a pretty bird.
ReplyDeleteThere are quite few great tits and blue tits to help out, Daphne. They usually keep our roses clean.
DeleteGreat shots! Very clear pictures!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Endah
DeleteBuds do make the most amazing subjects. Your photographs are amazing!
ReplyDeleteThey do, Deb.
DeleteBeautiful photos...and darn those aphids!
ReplyDeleteAt least they provide necessary good for the birds, Anna.
DeleteGreat close ups Sue - apart from the aphids, of course! I hope that little fella is able to help keep them under control. I plucked a couple of ladybirds from my neighbours hedge and gave them a home on one of my roses.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure the birds will do their best, Angie especially any with young to feed.
DeleteOh my goodness that's such a cute long-tailed tit! My friendly robin at the allotment performed well the other day, hopping on to my spade handle, if only I'd had a camera.
ReplyDeleteWe had a robin perch on the cultivator handlebar the other day, Lou. I had my camera but it refused to focus in the bird.
DeleteOh darn, that always happens. A robin came within touching distance today at the plot too. Too cute.
DeleteThe Long-Tailed Tits have such "snub noses" that you wouldn't think they would be much good at eating aphids. I am having huge problems with aphids on my chillis this year (indoors so far of course). I think many types of aphid have developed an immunity to the bug-killers currently available.
ReplyDeleteI think it is a bit like antibiotics, Mark. Bugs evolve to develop an immunity.
DeleteI wish I could attract some long tailed tits to my garden, they're such pretty little birds. We have them at the plot apparently but I've never seen them. Urgh, aphids, I'm glad they're not really that size, aren't they horrible?
ReplyDeleteSometimes the long tailed tits arrive in a flock and gather on a feeder, Jo. There are tails going off in n all directions, the trouble with aphids is that they are so prolific.
DeleteThat's an incredible shot of the aphids.. well done!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Jessica. They're not the most photogenic of creatures.
DeleteWow! Those aphids are amazing, what a brilliant pic, it makes me almost fond of the wee things! I love the fresh green shoots too, they do seem late this year!xxx
ReplyDeleteAphids are one species that I won't be becoming fond of, Dina.
DeleteI love watching the trees putting a new coat of leaves. I drove from work this morning and the picture of super green chestnut trees made me think that we already have the middle of April!
ReplyDeleteUgrrrr for aphids... they have attacked my baby rose plant and its new shots. I keep checking strawberry plants as last year the green flies ate the majority of them.
I hope that birds will be super hungry for them.
Fortunately we haven't had any trouble from aphids on the strawberries yet, Aga.
DeleteI hope I haven't spoken too soOn.