My Country Diary Mocktail

 

Updated on a very hot .... 26th May 2026

Aquilegias / Columbines

On the fully open flowers, the stem tops of these blooms looks like a cluster of graceful birds.

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 ‘To the medieval mind those fluttery petals were akin to bird’s wings – the association stuck. Columbine from the Latin columba meaning dove gives us the link to the Holy Spirit while aquila gives us the eagle  – and Christ in the form of an eagle soaring heavenwards ’

Source: The History Jar 

Interestingly one of the birds I heard today was the Collared Dove, (for the first time since using the Merlin Bird Id).  The Collared Dove is shown first on the list below.

The background frames are based on an e-processed pink and blue fabric respectively.

Archaeoplanting and Orange tip Butterflies

I have seen numerous Orange Tip butterflies this month of April 2026, both in our garden and elsewhere such as Elmdon Park and Castle Bromwich Hall Gardens.

The back story to seeing them in our garden is partly due to the outcome of mud being dispersed from a flooded area to other parts of the garden, (I've coined the term Archaeoplanting for this).  Later on the Garlic Mustard plant appeared and Orange Tip butterflies have been visiting our garden since!

The background frame is based on an e-processed orange brolly fabric

Health Benefits of Garlic Mustard
'Garlic mustard (Alliaria petiolata) is very good for you, acting as a highly nutritious and safe wild edible. It is packed with vitamins A, C, E, and minerals like calcium, iron, and potassium, alongside omega-3 fatty acids. It has a peppery garlic flavor, is excellent for boosting immunity and reducing inflammation, and can be used in salads, pesto, or cooked like spinach.

AI overview 6th May 2026'

Bullace Fruit Tree (2)

Edith Holden, ‘gathered some sprays of Bullace in blossom’ on 9th April 1905.  

Having experienced Storm David and a number of other windy days recently, I can confirm that there is not enough blossom for gathering on our bullace tree (09Apr26) !

I did not see or hear much in the way of bees – especially on the windy days. Nonetheless, here’s hoping that some pollination did occur so that the fruit will form in due time.

The background frames are based on an e-processed blue and purple brolly fabric respectively.

Happy Easter

  Happy Easter Season 

A Resurrection Bible reading

“1 Now upon the first day of the week, very early in the morning, they came unto the sepulchre, bringing the spices which they had prepared, and certain others with them.

2 And they found the stone rolled away from the sepulchre.
3 And they entered in, and found not the body of the Lord Jesus.

4 And it came to pass, as they were much perplexed thereabout, behold, two men stood by them in shining garments:

5 And as they were afraid, and bowed down their faces to the earth, they said unto them, Why seek ye the living among the dead?

6 He is not here, but is risen: remember how he spake unto you when he was yet in Galilee,

7 Saying, The Son of man must be delivered into the hands of sinful men, and be crucified, and the third day rise again.

8 And they remembered his words,

9 And returned from the sepulchre, and told all these things unto the eleven, and to all the rest.

10 It was Mary Magdalene and Joanna, and Mary the mother of James, and other women that were with them, which told these things unto the apostles.

11 And their words seemed to them as idle tales, and they believed them not.

12 Then arose Peter, and ran unto the sepulchre; and stooping down, he beheld the linen clothes laid by themselves, and departed, wondering in himself at that which was come to pass.”

Gospel of Luke KJV c24 v1-12

The illustration was composed on black umbrella fabric. The frame is based on a yellow e-processed brolly fabric.

Kindness

You do not need to wait for a designated day to show kindness.

Based on an earlier post from 2017.

Bullace Fruit Tree

The Bullace fruit tree is currently in bloom in our garden. Last year’s sweet fruit is also shown, (harvested in August 2025). Hoping for more of the same this year. The cherry and honeycomb tomatoes shows size comparison.

Note to self, will it still be in bloom on 9th April as per Edith’s 1905 notes ?

The background frame is based on an e-processed purple brolly fabric. 

"And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, upon the earth: and it was so.

And the earth brought forth grass, and herb yielding seed after his kind, and the tree yielding fruit, whose seed was in itself, after his kind: and God saw that it was good."

Genesis c1 v11-12 KJV

Camellia Plant Progress

It looks like the Camellia plants in our garden will continue to bloom well, providing we have no more frost for the next few weeks.  We have had some north easterly cool breeze but they do not seem to mind that.

The squirrels have still been feasting in moderation on some of the buds on the other side (I had some netting on the front side), but they have left plenty to give a good show of flora.  Photo taken 05Mar26.

The squirrel sketch is by Edith Holden.  The frame is from an e-processed green brolly fabric.

Squirrels and Camellia Buds

In addition to saving some acorns and putting these out for the squirrels, they also seem to enjoy munching our camellia buds.

These buds ‘…serve as a nutritious, edible supplement during lean times, such as late winter or early spring when other food is scarce.’ AI

I have seen camellia plants in the area fully bloom earlier e.g December 2025 and January 2026.  Ours started blooming January – just two flowers for now though so hopefully it is being cautious and will wait for the frost season to pass before releasing it's plethora of flowers.

The squirrel sketch is by Edith Holden.  The frame is from an e-processed blue brolly fabric.

An Anagram from Mona Lisa

The Madonna of the Yarnwinder

Early wooden yarn winders have been found in Arabia dating around 5000 BC.  In that era, people used their hands mainly for building,  planting and harvesting food and clothing. Clothes would be made from nature such as sheep’s wool or linen from the flax plant.  The main method for yarn winding would include a ‘distaff and spindle’.

How many words can make from the Mona Lisa.  I recently found Lana, meaning wool or yarn in Italian.  How many words can you find?  Try using other languages such as French, Italian and Latin.

The background frame is based on an e-processed red brolly fabric. 

There is a Biblical reference to the distaff and spindle in the book of Proverbs too.

10 Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies.

11 The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil.

12 She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life.

13 She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands.

14 She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar.

15 She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens.

16 She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard.

17 She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms.

18 She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night.

19 She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff.

20 She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy.

21 She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet.

22 She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple.

23 Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land.

24 She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant.

25 Strength and honour are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come.

26 She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness.

27 She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness.

28 Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her.

29 Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all.

30 Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised.

31 Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates.

Proverbs c31 v10-31 KJV

Edith Holden Anniversaries

Thinking ahead too. Both this year and the next. 

If you are part of a local community group, consider marking the occasion with:

* Having a wildflower patch in your own / community garden.

* An Edwardian Tea Party

* An Edwardian Fancy Dress 

* An Art Exhibition (invite members of the community to bring and show their flora / fauna art work) - perhaps venues can include pubs having tea / coffee morning sessions 

* A Talk / Discussion with members within your group. 

Happy New Year