I thought we might be too early for the spring gentians Gentiana verna when we visited Widdybank Fell in Teesdale on Friday - a rare day with some sunshine - but a few of these botanical jewels were just coming into flower in some of the more sheltered spots. At times the sky was almost as blue as the gentian petals, during a welcome break between days of heavy rain.
Dazzling colour.
ReplyDeleteLet's hope the weather improves for us all soon - hailstones here at the moment.
They are the most stunning blue, Phil. Looks like a good walk up there, too.
ReplyDeleteWhat kind of soil do the gentians require? Any chance of raising them from seed for the garden?
What beauties! The rain has just stopped here but I get the feeling that it might start again tomorrow.
ReplyDeleteFascinating - surprises me too. Didn't know about these plants growing wild. I imagine it's too warm on the south coast to find any here.
ReplyDeleteIt's supposed to get warmer and brighter this week snippa, so I guess the gentians will be at their best next week...
ReplyDeleteHi Rob, they are really adapted to those tundra-like conditions - long, cold winters and high rainfall ......
ReplyDeleteHi Lucy, this part of the Pennines is the only location in England where you can find them ....
ReplyDeleteHi toffeeapple, I was lucky to be there on the only sunny day last week ...
ReplyDeleteHi Phil
ReplyDeleteI was inspired by your photos to go out and get a decent spring gentian shot myself, and managed to get out last week. I've written about it on my blog and gave this post and your Country Diary post a plug. Hope you don't mind!
Yasmine http://muddytracks.wordpress.com/2012/06/08/hide-and-seek/
Thanks Yasmin, Glad you found them in flower.... and I really like your pictures. Best wishes, Phil
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