While the wisteria (which we don't have any of) is now over and the roses are getting ready to explode, the range of flowers out there at the moment is quite stunning. For lovers of a light, fragrant honey, now is the season of the (false) acacia flowers that provide the nectar for honey. The trees themselves are a pain - they have many, very sharp thorns and they spread rapidly by suckering. They are regarded by many environmental groups in France as an invasive, non-native species and you can get help to get rid of them, if you weren't responsible for planting them in the first place. The flowering season doesn't last long, but while it does, there are huge bundles of these lovely white flowers to be see all over the place, and they smell nice too.
A more traditional flower, and one familiar to everyone is the elderflower - beloved of cordial makers and an essential ingredient for elderflower champagne. I've made it a few times over here, but the pressure in the bottles needs to be released at least twice a day as it is warmer than the UK at brewing time, and then you wonder, what's the point? With good Saumur fizz easily available and local, why bother to make a substitute? Of course if you are partial to a Gloucester gin (one part gin to 3 to 4 parts elderflower champagne), then you have to make your own. We wait for the berries and make a rich and healthy berry cordial that keeps colds, 'flu and Covid symptoms under control.
The wildflower meadow is near its best at the moment and humming with insects - in fact insect noise is louder than birdsong at times! The oxeye daisies are coming out, the pink clover is at its best, the yellow trefoil is vibrant and there are also pockets of knapweed. In a week or two, the bee orchids should also make an appearance, and there may be a blush of blue linseed too. It isn't easy to photograph but here is a best attempt.
At the top of the wildflower meadow and underneath a walnut tree, there is a patch of posh irises. They are always the last of this type to flower, probably because of being under the walnut tree, and are dramatic with white tops and nearly black bottoms. I keep meaning to transplant a few to somewhere a bit less hidden away, perhaps I will remember to this summer!
When we had to let Fergus the ginger cat go, we went looking for a ginger coloured flowering shrub to remember him by. At the time we were looking, the only thing that was really available was a rather splendid rose called Orange King. The first year it had a couple of magnificent flowers, but since then it hasn't done as well as I would have hoped. Probably as I don't keep the weeds down around it as much as I should. This year it looks like we are going to get a splendid display in about 5 days time!
Another promise of things to come, is my flowering turmeric. For the last couple of years, Aldi (other discount stores are available) has sold pots of flowering turmeric as an ornamental flower in around June or July. Last year I succumbed to a pot as it was discounted, and had it on the outside dining table under the awning as a talking point. It did extremely well too, with lots of growth and flowers. When we took the awning down and there were threats of frost, I brought it indoors and put it in the bathroom, giving it a bit of water now and then. Everything died down in the winter, and by mid-April I was seriously considering doing a forensic search of the contents of the pot before ditching it. I'm glad I didn't, as during the week, first one, then a second and now four shoots are coming up in total. Once the awning is back on the pergola, it can go outside again, and we can talk about it and hope for as many flowers as last year!
The computer has vetoed the photo of the flower pot, so I leave you with a photo of bunting, as everything is better with bunting. This is for the Olympic Flame which arrives in Baugé on the 28th May, and we are getting very excited about that!
As Sunday is Trout Fishing Day here in Vieil Baugé, I am having another go at delayed posting. Let's see if it works!
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