Spring delights continued
These are succeeded by a spectacular show of wild daffodils, which were scattered and dug in last autumn in their thousands. First the fresh spring grass is studded with the delicate and diminutive Narcissus pseudonarcissus lobularis, stars of creamy, twisted petals backing yellow trumpets. These delightful daffodils are followed by the old-fashioned Pheasant Eyes (Narcissus poeticus recurvus), a late-flowering daffodil with a small bright orange cup surrounded by reflexed, white petals. Planted en masse, the fresh scent will fill the air. To mix up the colour palette, we are also establishing a large patch of inkyblue Camassia to complement the Magnolia collection, and purple-chequered Snakeshead Fritillary and a trial patch of the wild yellow tulip, Tulipa sylvestris will add to the Steam Garden plantings. Together, these should make a show-stopping and long-lasting spring display. Spring-flowering bulbs are typically woodland plants and take advantage of rising temperatures and lengthening days to bloom before the trees leaf up. The selections for the bulb belt are all wild species, and have been planted in interlocking natural drifts to entice visitors around the 1846 Garden. The new show will complement the well-established communities of thousands of primroses, cowslips and wild Tenby daffodils (Narcissus pseudonarcissus obvallaris) that flank the Fairway of the eastern part of the Garden that was developed as funds became available in the 1950s. The many blooms will also provide vital early nectar and pollen for bees and other insects encouraged into activity by warming temperatures. As the trees come into leaf in late spring, the long grass meadows shoot up to cover the fading blooms and foliage. This enchanting project was made possible through generous gifts to the Garden’s Giving in Memory Fund. Do visit this spring, and let the bulb belt brighten your day!
The Botanic Garden is open 10am – 5pm in March, and until 6pm from April - September. Admission is £4 (£3.50) or join the Friends & help the Garden grow! To join the onehour highlights tour led by an expert Garden Guide that leaves Brookside Gate at 11am on the first Saturday of every month, telephone 01223 336265 to book a place (£7, £3 for Friends). Or bring the children along to one of our drop-in First Saturday Family Fun workshops. The elegantly appointed new Garden Café has just re-opened, and serves homemade, locally-sourced and delicious food. For news and events, detailed information about the Garden or to discover this week’s Plant Picks from the Head of Horticulture, please visit the website at: www.botanic.cam.ac.uk
Juliet Day, Development Officer, Cambridge University Botanic Garden
River Mel Restoration Group continued
The dates of our forthcoming working parties can be found on either the River Mel pages of the Melbourn Village website or directly via www.rivermel. com.
Dates Saturday 19th March. 14 Flambards Close Meldreth 9.15am for 9.30am start Saturday 2nd April. RiverCare Community Litter Pick Pavilion on Recreation Field Melbourn 9.45am for 10am start Saturday 9th April. Pavilion on Recreation Field Melbourn 9.15am for 9.30am start Saturday 30th April. 14 Flambards Close Meldreth 9.15am for 9.30am start Saturday 21st May. Pavilion on Recreation Field Melbourn 9.15am for 9.30am start
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www.melbourncambridge.co.uk