A delicate unfurling

The Royal Ferns are slowly unfurling around the pond. They are very curious things - at first they're enclosed in a little furry sack and then they slowly open to reveal the fronds inside - like little periscopes. These will get huge and quite exotic with coppery coloured flowers. Lots of nice things to see in the garden at the moment. The gunnera is now almost as tall as me, white and pink blossoms abound, everything is greening and the tulips are a vivid yellow and red. Birds everywhere - the blackbirds in particular are getting very bold and coming into the conservatory to steal the remains of any cat food. Wrens, chaffinches, doves, thrush, all sorts of tits, a male pheasant and now swallows are all chorusing away. And in the field next door the sheep continue to be very loud and chatty. Who says the countryside is quiet.
Out to supper with friends shortly - a happy Easter to those who celebrate and enjoy the long weekend.