The mandarin family.

A visit to Golden Acre Park and Adel Dam this morning.
A cool breeze meant we had fleeces and showerproof coats on.
5th of June and most people were still in winter clothes!

Quite a few ducklings on the main lake as well as a pair of swans with their cygnets.
However it was the Mandarin Ducks which caught my eye. Not seen them with young ones before.
There were Mallard ducklings as well all mixed up together so hope my photo is the right duckling.

After a walk round Yorkshire Wildlife Reserve we made our way to the cafe for lunch.
Then had a look at the vegetable garden.
Their peas were growing well and also the sweet peas which looked much healthier than mine.
We got chatting to one of the gardeners.
He said there were only two full time gardeners now and no apprentices anymore which is such a shame.
They could do with some volunteers to help. It certainly is a lot of work for them to do on their own.
If I lived nearer ( and was a bit younger!) I would volunteer for a few hours a week.
I remember how pristine it looked many years ago.

Back home and it is blowing a gale. The garden is being battered to bits. I have been out trying to tie plants up.
What has happened to summer?!!