It is time for the Turban fungi (Gyromitra esculenta). These fungi are considered a delicacy up here in the north. The Turban fungus is deadly poisonous and must be prepared well and the right way.
They emerge early in the spring and now is the best time to harvest them. You can usually find them close to the pine trees.
I consider it to be among the three best edible fungi there is. Cannot wait to have these with a good stake or as a soup.
I bought yet another birdhouse and it was immediately occupied by a European pied flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca). It have been fun watching them to build a nest with huge enthusiasm.
Though I suspect that they are nesting for the first time since building the nest has not been a very efficient or organized. They are desperately trying to fit too large objects to the birdhouse and seem to get a bit frustrated when that does not work.
The Snowboard (Narcissus ‘Snowboard’) which I planted last year is now blooming. And it is a beautiful white daffodil.
Summer’s first thunderstorm is now on us which leaves good time to write blogs.
Daffodil (Narcissus ‘strike’) is a good looking flower. The structure of the flowers is interesting and a bit unusual.
I just love the different varieties that are available each spring. When it comes to daffodils they are so many.
It is a rainy day up here in the north and time to relax a bit. Past few days have been hectic but most of the spring tasks are now done.
Kiss Me (Narcissus ‘Kiss Me’) has also started to bloom.
I like the gentle yellow color it has and it seems to be a reliable bloomer each year.
The Grass Snakes (Natrix natrix) have woken up and seem to be everywhere. The population has grown stronger over the years and luckily they are harmless.
The Dutch Master (Narcissus ‘Dutch Master’) is now blooming at my moms garden. Planted it to a good spot some years back.
It is such bold and big daffodil. Just love to have it blooming when there is not much else in the garden yet.
Endless flocks of wild geese are flying over the summer cottage on their way to north for nesting.
The geese have taken an advantage of the beautiful and warm weather. So have the daffodils which are now nearly all flowering.
Accent (Narcissus ‘Accent’) started to bloom in my parents palace on the other side of the lake. I have planted it there few years ago.
The birdhouses are now getting occupied by the summer residents. Only few of them are available anymore for the new comers.
Eurasian Great Tits (Parus major) and Eurasian Blue Tits (Cyanistes caeruleus) have spent the winter up here in the north and are the ones that can choose the best houses.
The European Pied Flycatcher (Ficedula hypoleuca) just arrived but managed to get its usual home for the summer.
The warm days have gotten the Ice Follies (Narcissus ‘Ice Follies’) to open up their flowers and bloom by the lake.
It has been a beautiful day up here in the north. We reached the summer temperatures and the long winter seems to be over.
I even managed to take the first swim. The water in the lake is still freezing, only about 5 degrees Celsius but it was a refreshing experience.
Pinocchios (Tulipa ‘Pinocchio’) started to bloom today. They are the first tulips to bloom and so pretty.
It is a rainy day up here in the north. We have had cool weather for the past two weeks but tomorrow it should start warming up.
I am spending the week in the summer cottage and starting the planting season. Plenty of things to do and not much to see yet in the garden.
The winter seems to have been a good one for the plants and nearly all of them have survived. We went down to -30 degrees Celsius but that is not too much.
The Siberian Squills (Scilla Siberica) are at their best at the moment and are usually one of the first ones to start the blooming season. I just love the blue color they have in the blooms. It is so bright and strong.
The spring flowers are finally starting to bloom up here in the north.
The week long warm period has done wonders to the nature. Though it will be cooler from now on, which is not a bad thing because the blooms last longer in the cold weather.
Garden Grape-hyacinth (Muscari armeniacum) is blooming in my balcony but it will still take a week or so them to bloom in the garden.
Gardening in the North 