Butterfly summer?

Wouldn't it be lovely if that's what we have?  Until then I'll keep sewing them.  I've made this cushion as a gift for a friend...hope she likes it. x

Moth Orchid

I have not had much luck with nurturing moth orchids (Phalenopsis). I suspect the position has been the problem. Ironically, I have given several as presents and been told that these are all thriving.
The common problems tend to be: over-watering; too direct sunlight and using usual plant compost.
Any advice would be welcome!

Wild in the country

The moment the cows go out for the summer is always a joyous one and if at all possible, I like to be there. They kick their heels up, run about and get their heads down for a good feed of spring grass - nothing quite like it!

Our little visitor

Milly has arrived for her holiday with us.  She's absolutely adorable and very funny.  On our walks she makes friends with all the other dogs and children...and gets loads of attention, as you can imagine.  But she's always vigilant for squirrels or cats...she can't abide either.

Some spring blooms

But first sowing some seeds...these are (or will be, in a few weeks) salad leaves.  I like to sow two trays of different varieties of cut and come again leaves so there's plenty to keep us going.  Blue plastic trays aren't very pretty I grant you, but they are useful for this job, with a few layers of newspaper to line the bottom and sides.  I'll cover with a fine layer of compost and leave them in the greenhouse to get going...and in the summer they'll sit outside.

Now for the pretty stuff...

A pot of little daffodils still flowering...

Some bright red tulips...

Blue periwinkle...love this colour

And finally...pink camellia, captured just in time, before the petals all turn brown.

Magnolia

Last year, because of the snow and frost, this barely flowered. As you can see, it's made up for it this time.

More spots

Two spotty bags...can you tell I've an obsession with polka dots and spots at the moment? Butterflies are also very popular, and with good reason, although I don't think there'll be many like these flitting about this summer!