flowers and butterflies

Lots of flowers out in the garden now, the bluebells are out in force, and we have white and pink ones in the garden, as well as ordinary blue ones in the lane and under the trees. Also see a surprisingly large number of butterflies.. are they early or am I just mis-remembering when they arrive?

As well as the usual tatty looking red admirals appearing on the first warm days a month or so back.. clearly hibernators - We have seen a holly blue, orange tip, brimstone,  and a cabbage white, all today.

Really glad to see all of them.. although have to grit my teeth over the cabbage white: today we planted five rows of calabrese, and four rows of cabbages… before long we will be fighting the caterpillars of the cabbage white for our food.. its a war out there!

Also saw a ‘devil’s coachhorse’ beetle - weird looking large black beetle.. I have since read that encasing this poor beetle in the handle of your scythe is supposed to improve your scything skills.  I can’t help thinking that practise.. might be the answer…