Multicoloured Memories - March 2017

It was yet another wet Sunday as I embarked on my photo shoot at dad's last weekend, and I was once again looking for inspiration amongst the raindrops.

As we were racing towards springtime, it didn't take long for me to find something interesting to shoot. These lovely coloured Forget Me Nots (Myosotis) were an early reminder that spring wasn't far away, despite the wet conditions.

Red Quince - March 2017

The two Quince (Chaenomeles) bushes were bursting with flower buds, with the dark red ones just about beginning to open...

Single Quince - March 2017

...while the lighter red ones were embracing the wet conditions, and had decided to go for it!

Pulmonaria Pairing - March 2017

The Lungwort (Pulmonaria) plants were also beginning to open up their buds for the first time this year. It's such a shame that this pretty little plant is lumbered with two thoroughly ugly sounding names.

Crocus Opening - March 2017

Unfortunately, two storms earlier in the month had destroyed most of the Crocus in dad's garden. There was now just the odd individual left, battling against the elements to give one final display of beauty.

White Petals - March 2017

Thankfully, when the storms hit, the Daffodils (Narcissus) were only just emerging, so now the garden is full of bright yellow and white varieties, such as this one.

Single Forsythia - March 2017

I've been following the progress of the Forsythia (Forsythia intermedia) bush for quite a while now, and you may remember that last week it was loaded full of flower buds?

Forever Forsythia - March 2017

Well, just look at it now! Even with the best of attempts of the weather to disrupt it, it's putting on a marvellous display.

Pink Camellia - March 2017

The Camellia bush is also getting into its stride, and is full of these large pink flowers. I think the Camellia is one of the only bushes to actually enjoy the copious amounts of rain we've had over winter.

Hyacinth Arrival - March 2017

Back in my garden, on a sunnier day, I had some new arrivals. My pink Hyacinth (Hyacinthus orientalis) were doing rather well after a couple of nice days.

Butterfly Blue - March 2017

A rescued Pincushion Plant (Scabious) had also been encouraged into flowering early.

Red Camellia - March 2017

My dark red Camellia bush had also been persuaded to come to life.

Butterfly Stock - March 2017

There was also a complete surprise after I spotted some self seeded Virginia Stock (Malcolmia maritima) blooms hiding in the corner of one of my raised beds.

Nodding Heads - March 2017

My miniature Daffodils were also now putting on a lovely display.

Cleaning Cat - March 2017

Meanwhile, on another wet Sunday, my photogenic furry feline friend didn't budge from his sofa, and embarked on a marathon cleaning session while me and my camera got wet outside.

So, this week I chose Multicoloured Memories as my Image of the Week, firstly because I wasn't expecting to see Forget Me Nots quite so early in the year, and secondly because they made me smile when I first spotted them...